Loomis Spey rod model question

[dougisnow]

Hi guys, I just got off the Deschutes after catching 3 nice steelies in 2 days but sadly my 14' 8/9wt Gloomis GL3 speyrod didn't fair so well... In the transit downstream from Maupin to Beavertail I decided to pull the rod off the hood rack, break it down and put it in the back seat of the truck, i figured it would stay cleaner and safer... until when i got to the boat ramp, pulled out some gear and the base of the tip section slid out the front door and i swear the devil himself blew the door closed right then. :-( ok it was windy and totally my mistake, but i almost got sick. thankfully i still had my beloved 8wt singlehand Sage, so i still fished (and got one :-)...
anywhooo, here's my q. I called Loomis, they said since they don't mfg the GL3 now, but for $50 :applause: they'd replace it with the Roaring River Stinger (Skandi-style) Alta, or the Roaring River Dredger (Skagit-style)... they all vary from 12-14' and 7/8 and 8/9. I'm an avid flyfisher but still a spey rookie, but fully hooked on spey for steelies and salmon. I fish most rivers in OR and WA, some beach casting in WA, and I go to AK a few times a year for trout and salmon. I'm looking for advice on which Loomis spey rod would be best for my current (novice) spey skills and given the rivers/ways/targets i fish. i also still have the Rio windcutter 9/10/11 line on my Ross Canyon reel... so i don't want to overpower a 7/8wt, so i best stick with a 8/9 again, but still need to decide on length and model (Dredger or Stinger and also graphite (GLX or Alta/Kispiox)... Decisions, decisions. :passout:Thanks in advance gents, I appreciate your input!
Here's a pic of one of the fish I got pre-rod breakage. :-(
http://cid-09de00f71fecf772.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Sept%20Steelhead%20redemption%20on%20the%20D/P9300048.jpg

[surfnfish]

Hi guys, I just got off the Deschutes after catching 3 nice steelies in 2 days but sadly my 14' 8/9wt Gloomis GL3 speyrod didn't fair so well... In the transit downstream from Maupin to Beavertail I decided to pull the rod off the hood rack, break it down and put it in the back seat of the truck, i figured it would stay cleaner and safer... until when i got to the boat ramp, pulled out some gear and the base of the tip section slid out the front door and i swear the devil himself blew the door closed right then. :-( ok it was windy and totally my mistake, but i almost got sick. thankfully i still had my beloved 8wt singlehand Sage, so i still fished (and got one :-)...
anywhooo, here's my q. I called Loomis, they said since they don't mfg the GL3 now, but for $50 :applause: they'd replace it with the Roaring River Stinger (Skandi-style) Alta, or the Roaring River Dredger (Skagit-style)... they all vary from 12-14' and 7/8 and 8/9. I'm an avid flyfisher but still a spey rookie, but fully hooked on spey for steelies and salmon. I fish most rivers in OR and WA, some beach casting in WA, and I go to AK a few times a year for trout and salmon. I'm looking for advice on which Loomis spey rod would be best for my current (novice) spey skills and given the rivers/ways/targets i fish. i also still have the Rio windcutter 9/10/11 line on my Ross Canyon reel... so i don't want to overpower a 7/8wt, so i best stick with a 8/9 again, but still need to decide on length and model (Dredger or Stinger and also graphite (GLX or Alta/Kispiox)... Decisions, decisions. :passout:Thanks in advance gents, I appreciate your input!
Here's a pic of one of the fish I got pre-rod breakage. :-(
http://cid-09de00f71fecf772.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Sept%20Steelhead%20redemption%20on%20the%20D/P9300048.jpg


Suggest you post this on speypages in the rod section, a great on line spey forum where you'll get a lot of experienced feedback:

http://speypages.com/speyclave/

[dougisnow]

will do, thanks!

[Lymanator]

In general a scandi style rod will have a bit faster action whereas a skagit will load more deeply into the butt of the rod. It all depends on what you prefer. Either style will cast any line, skagit or scandi , long or short belly...your casting will adjust to the rod. It just depends on how you like the rod to feel while doing it. I'm pretty new at it also but prefer a skagit setup where I can really feel the rod working for me since my timing is not always on. Good luck.

[T I M]

My friend LOVES the glx dredgers. I think he has 3 or 4. They are awesome rods. Try one out.