Question for Ifish guides or diver fishers

[steelheadslayer]

After reading another post about plug rods, there was mention that glass rods should be used for divers. The comment was that graphite splinters and that you have a timebomb waiting to go off if you troll a diver with a graphite rod. My question is, What rods do you guides use when fishing B10 trolling divers? I use my Loomis HSR982 GL3. It's worked fine so far. Thanks :cheers:

[David Johnson]

I love the Loomis HSR 982C for fishing diver and bait for river salmon but I feel it's a bit light for current of B10 and the large Delta Divers. If you were to use the smaller EZ Diver the 982 will work just fine. (I sometimes use the 982 with those smaller divers out in the ocean for silvers)

For B10/Astoria I prefer the Loomis SAR1084C. It loads up well, has a bit more backbone and the extra length is nice too.

I've never had a problem with blank falure on a high quality graphite rod for any method of fishing.

No time bombs here :grin:

[Joe Schwab]

I use the medium 8.5 foot ugly stick. they seem to work much better and we lose less fish than with graphite rods. I believe that trolling divers with graphite rods loads up the rod to the point that when a fish hits it there's little flex left. I know others feel differently but it worked for me. We used Graphite on the Kenai and that is one fast backtrolling powerful river. But there the quickfish action keeps the rod pumping and the hits are often so violent they bury the rod in the water. I did notice on my last trip up there some of the guides were going to the ugly stick, so----? I think it's a matter of preference. You get a better fight and feel once the fish is hooked with the graphite.

[steelheadslayer]

Thanks David and Capn. I just don't want to break a $250 rod when a $40 rod would be easier to cry over. :cheers:

[David Johnson]

You might break a $40 rod or have the $220 for a life time. An expensive rod can break too though.

On a question like this your apt to get twenty different oppinions. I can only tell you what has worked well for me.

[crabbait]

Used Berkley IM7 rodsat B10 last year. We were trolling against the incoming tide at a brisk pace at the bridge. Rods were really bowed while pulling divers/fishflash. No problems even when fish near 50lbs hit, flattening the rodholder!

[steelheadslayer]

crabbait, what length and rating were you using. And, on that secret decoration for the fish flash you told me about at the Christmas Party, did you use the dark green flash or the lighter green color. Thanks, Earl

[TH]

I love the HS 962 Its an 8' Rainshadow version of the 982 from Loomis. I also like the 1026 for a diver rod! It is by far our most popular B10 rod.. 8'6" 12-25# fast action, loads up real well and handles big fish!

[Flatfish]

The use of tufline (or any of the no stretch superlines for that matter) is a problem with the divers. Mono has a touch more give than Tuf, and is a bit easier on rods than the superline is.

For rods I use a Kenai Killer and a friend uses Backbouncers ( North Rivers by FMS). I am sure that the slower action of the bobber stick will take more hammering than a fast action bouncer will.

I heard that loomis is making a 10-11 foot stick capable of diver fishing. Any of you folks know about this??

Mark and the dog.

[fishing is life]

i just use cheaper rods vs loomis when fishing divers. i prefer graphite for the feel of fighting. the only thing when fishing big divers is a rod with good backbone, no noodles here. i actually like the superlines for diver fishing. the mono tends to get stressed by the constant pulling.

[steelheadslayer]

Thanks guys, I normally use mono when diver fishing because it's easier to strip out a couple of feet after a short strike to sort of force feed the fish thinking about it.

[ 03-11-2003, 08:35 AM: Message edited by: steelheadslayer ]

[Dr Strangelove]

For B10 diver work I use a Calstar black fiberglass 270H one piece 8ft corkwrap custom tied with carbide guides and 80lb power pro. Rated ~ 15-40lb I think. This also doubles as an albacore iron heaver. No crazy bend trolling, easier to set hook and know one's on. Yes it's overkill for all but the big salmon, but I've seen many graphite rods blow up trolling. Usually the graphite breaks occur just above the upper joint or at a scratch/gouge in the pole. Doc
PS cost about $150.

[smoky]

Johnson of course is dead on about the Loomis rods.

I tried the 982 s with the big divers on Saturday at B-ville. They were ok off to the side in smaller water, but no good in the main current.

The 983 was better, but next trip Im taking the 1084s. Ill stick to using the 982s on the Wilson.

[Catch 22]

Loomis HSR 983 is my favorite all around big river rod. Great for large divers. Good for light duty back bouncing too.

[steelheadslayer]

I was wondering about the 983. I have that one and mainly have just been using it for alvins for the fall nooks. I might try it this year at B10. Thanks again for all the comments. :cheers:

[David Johnson]

I second Catch22 on the 983 being a good all around rod.

It does do well for backbouncing, diver, Kwikfish and herring.

[onstep]

Bonnie and heavy flow rivers I use the 983. Great all around rod. Willamette Clack slower flows go with the 982. No other rods match these actions that I have used.