Classic Pro GLT Trolling Rod
4.5(3,100)4.5 out of 5 stars, 3,100 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe rod most Great Lakes charter boats actually have in the holders, at a price that lets you buy six of them.
Fenwick
Fenwick · Rods
HMG Spinning Rod
4.6(2,400)4.6 out of 5 stars, 2,400 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe all-purpose graphite spinning rod that covers smallmouth, walleye and perch without being the best at any one of them.
Check price on Amazon$110— HMG Spinning RodPrice shown was accurate on 2026-09-01. Amazon sets the live price.
What's good
- One rod that legitimately handles tubes on St. Clair, jigs on Erie and perch rigs off a pier
- Carbon-bound guide wraps have cut the ring-popping problem older HMGs were known for
- Light in the hand for the money — under 4 oz in the 7-foot medium
- Widely stocked, so a replacement is easy to find mid-trip
What isn't
- Split-grip cork on the 7-foot models is thin and crumbles at the front collar within two seasons
- Medium power is a compromise: slightly heavy for 1/8 oz jigs, slightly light for 4-inch tubes in wind
- No meaningful warranty compared to what St. Croix or G. Loomis offer
We list the drawbacks because a recommendation with no downside is a sales pitch. If a cheaper item does the job on your water, the write-up says so.
Also worth a look
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Talavera Trolling Rod
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