Deep water trolling gear for kayak fishing

[NADO]

I am looking for recommendations on deep water trolling rods for kayak fishing. I currently use the Okuma Blue Diamond rod and it is incredibly awkward while fighting a fish due to the long handle below the reel. It also is a bit long at 8.5', it isn't impossible to net a fish but I feel it could be easier with a shorter rod. I typically run dipsy's but I am also considering picking up a copper or a lead core setup to add to the mix. If anyone has suggestions or even has a rod they are looking to get rid of that would fit the bill i'm all ears, from what I have seen there aren't any kayak specific trolling rods that can handle a large dipsy.

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

The issue with the shorter rod and the dipsy is reducing your leader size to accommodate the shorter rod. In the minimal experience Ive had fishing dipsys out of kayaks/canoes I found that 7'6 seemed to be the magic number for me. As for a copper/lead setup you can go as short as you want. The only thing you need in that rod is insert-less guides, but at the end of the day the rod will be a cue stick and the reel a winch.

The obvious reason for the longer butts is for rod holders but that being said there is a lot of wasted space. If you are comfortable with it you can always cut down the handle to your specifications. (Or have someone rebuild it but why spend all that money.)

 

[NADO]

I was actually considering having my buddy nock 6" off the handle on my Okuma but I was hoping there might be something on the market that solves this issue. If I don't find anything I might end up doing that over the winter.