Rod and Reel Suggestions for Steelhead

[Flathead]

Ok, This may sound like a dumb question, but I quite fishing for steelhead about 10 years ago and focused on salmon, sturgeon and waterfowl hunting. With all the talk about the great fishing this year I'm ready to beat my head against this wall again. I'm thinking about a Lamiglass "Medium" 8'6" rod with an AB5500 reel loaded with 30lb Power Pro line. I've got a kitchen pass to spend about $225.00 on a steelhead set-up. Am I on the right path here or should I take another compass reading?

Suggestions are appreciated.

[Thick-N-Thin]

Hey Flathead,

I recently purchased a another steelhead rod & reel. I see you're in Halsey. You might want to check out Glenn Wick's in Creswell. He is open 9-6pm Mon-Sat in an old barn. He has hundreds of rods to choose from. If you have never been there you should at least check him out. You mentioned Lamiglass and he pretty much has anything you would want. I purchased a re-built Lamiglass 8'6" medium (N386MC) 8-12lb for $50.00. You can't tell the difference from a new one. I caught my first steelhead last weekend on it and it had great sensitivty for drifting and plunking. I put a 6501 C4 ABU Garcia reel on it and Power Pro line.

With your Kitchen pass of $225 you could pick-up a couple of nice Lamiglass rods or go for Curado reel & rod. His prices range from $50 to $125.00 each. He has new and re-builts.

Glenn Wicks
541-895-2788
82682 River Dr
Creswell

If you would like directions just drop me an e-mail!

James

[Salmonator]

Also consider using 50lb power pro instead of 30. I just tried it for the first time last week drift fishing with a HSR9000C and a 5501. The sensitivity is incredible. The 50 might cut into the spool less and it will take less line to fill your spool.

[Flathead]

Thanks TnT, I'll be down in the Creswell area tomorrow. I'll give him a call and check it out.

[David Johnson]

In rods go with the best you can afford. Sensitivity is everything in steelhead fishing. Lamiglass and up. Sounds like some guys are suggesting Power Pro. I prefer ten or twoelve pound mono for drift fishing.

Were you been, you missed half the run but there are still going to be plenty of fish out there for your new rod.

[Flathead]

Salmonator, thanks for the info. Do you think the Lamiglass "medium" has enough sensitivity? I think my disaffection with steelhead was my in-ability to feel strikes with the old gear I had. So, I'm real interested in the sensitivity issue of the rod.

[OregonBankie]

Flathead,
I used the Lamiglas Medium with 10 pound Maxima chameleon for many years, and a Shimano reel which I wore out. I think this is a solid steelhead outfit though. You can do better with more sensitive rods, such as G Loomis or the Lamiglas Titanium ($$$). If you are considering using the Ambassador 5500/6500 type reels, I think they are too heavy for steelhead; I still use Shimanos.

[ 02-06-2002, 10:36 PM: Message edited by: OregonBankie ]

[Thick-N-Thin]

Flathead,

For me the medium was fine. I could feel the little trout nibbling on the eggs when drifting. I hooked a couple 8 inch trout before I hooked into a keeper.

[Flathead]

Again, Thanks for the info. I have considered the Abu 4501, but I haven't been able to find one anywhere.

Anyway, as far as where I've been instead of fishing, twin boys playing basketball on different teams takes away from weekend fishing time. I did get to fish the Sandy about 3 weeks ago and successfully shut down the entire river. All I heard was how many limits folks got the days before.

Still runs coming in the Siletz and Siuslaw. Can't wait for Summer fish in the Santiam.

[Coot22]

Drift Rod: 8-12# Xtream Rod @ $100-$120 Shimano Curado 200 or 201 BSF (right or left hand super free) @ $150

All around springer/steelhead rod: Xtream 10-25# one piece plug rod @ $100-$120 shimano Cardiff 300 or 301 (right or left hand) @ $150

or

All around springer/steelhead rod: Xtream 10-20# two piece rod @ $100-$120 shimano Cardiff 300 or 301 (right or left hand) @ $150

just a few thoughts... :cool:

-Coot

[Salmonator]

Flathead, I don't know much about the lamiglas poles, what you suggested sounds fine. The 50lb power pro was kind of an experiment after I heard Dave talk about using it. I had four guys drift fishing out of the boat so I went with shorter rods (I used a plug rod that was loaded with power pro). I hooked and landed a fish after the 5th or so cast. I couldn't find anything negative about drift fishing with the power pro and like I mentioned the sensitivity was unreal. However this was only one trip and it takes more than that to find the negatives. I usually use 17lb Gamakatsu G-power for main line and have been real happy with it.