Product Review:
Traxstech Vertical Rod Trees
I like new stuff as much as the next guy, but like most fishermen I am hard to convince and even harder to get to change-especially if something is working! When Greg Ellison of Traxstech ask me to try the new vertical rod trees at the May 2008 Trophy Hunt my response was less than enthusiastic. For the past several seasons I have been using the Traxstech "Tree" style rod holders and have absolutely loved them. The trees are a 4-8" riser with a 18" piece of track on top into which 3 lexan adjustable rod tubes are slid. The entire system can be adjusted anywhere in my 48" pieces of track on both gunnels of my boat.
So, when Greg wanted to spend a day in the boat with me as I tried the new vertical rod trees I said sure but only if I could also take my old trees with me! By the end of the day I wanted to know when I could get my own set of vertical rod trees!! Several things changed my mind. The first and most obvious was how the vertical trees kept my rod tips separated much better than the horizontal trees I had been using. This is really important in rough water, as it helps prevent board "jumping" when one planer board will be on the top of a wave and the line will actually "jump" over a board riding in the trough creating a tangle that most times goes unnoticed until it's too late. The other thing I really liked was the ease of removing rods when a fish hit. Gone was the awkward "up and over" technique I had to use with the horizontal trees.
Anyway, I have used the new vertical trees since May and can't imagine trolling without them. I have included a quick video clip showing the vertical rod trees in action. If you have any questions contact Jeff at www.traxstech.com or to order your set call Dave at Freeway Sports Center at 810-629-2291.
Tight Lines
Lance
See the Vertical Rod Tree in Action