Need Advice

[Doubletake]

Just got a GL2 1025C 8-17 lb medium heavy for Christmas!!!!!!
Never thought I would own a Loomis. Is this a good drift rod for steelhead, coho and chums? I can trade for a 1024 8-12 lb. from where it was bought.
Have been using Lamiglas 8-12 lb medium action for the last 4 years with a Quantum bait caster, also have drifted with Abu 5500.

What recommendation for a reel do you think would be best suited to match the Loomis rod?

Sorrrrry about all the questions, but I probably won't be sleeping tonight thinking about the new rod. Any input would be much appreciated, Thank You

Doubletake

[Spooled]

Merry Christmas Doubletake. I have the same rod and love it. I would not trade to the 8-12 lb. I feel the 8-17lb has plenty of sensitivity as well as plenty of backbone. It also has more hook setting power. It is nice to know that if you are fishing for steelhead and get into a salmon that you have a bit more rod. I use a Curado (excellent casting reel) on mine and love it also. I have an ABU 5600 Tournament reel, which is similar to a 5500, but with an aluminum 1 piece housing, thumb bar release and an extra bearing and it works well on the rod also. As much as I like the Curado, If I only had one reel, it would be the ABU. I feel they are bullet proof and cast better than I am capable of. They just feel right. Stick with the 8-17 and use your 5500 on it.

[ZaQ]

Shimano Calcutta. No question.

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Fish this!
ZaQ

[Salmonator]

I think you have the perfect all around drift rod. I use that same rod every time out in the boat. But i'm partial to the curado as far as a reel that feels natural on it. If i'm ever fishing from the bank on a river with lots of overhanging limbs, I driftfish with a HSR930C 7'9". I've broken a few 8 1/2 footers on limbs setting hook, luckily they were IM6's... Joe

[rags]

Perfect fishing pole. Put a green curado on it and you have the ideal combo.

[Snagly]

I have the same rod. It fishes well with a Curado but it balances perfectly with a Shimano Calcutta 200 or 250 and 12lb line. Once you try that combo, everything else in your hand feels awkward.

[RW]

Sorry boys; I have a differant opinion. The 1024 ROCKS, no better than that for a superb drift rod. Sensitive tip to feel the fish, but enough back bone to set the hook on some really nice steelhead. Put a Chronarch reel on it and it will be like the match made in heaven. I have this set up, and if it was a choice between my husband and the rod and reel above, there is no contest! I have used this rod and reel for several years now, and have not found a better set up... RW

[Trout,myster]

Personally, I'd stick with the 1025C. I tried a Lamiglas 8-12 pound version for awhile and just couldn't get the feel I wanted. Plus, when a good fish hit, the rod would double over clear to the handle. Haven't tried a Loomis in that size, but I'll stick with my weatherbeaten Lami 8-17# until I break it.

As for reels, you can't go wrong with anything mentioned so far. I like the Curado, but then I own two of them. Also have a Corsair but certainly don't recommend that one! ABU is hard to beat all around and I have several that always work and have excellent drags. If I were experimenting, I'd probably give a Pinnacle a try. Heard good things about those.

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Troutmyster

[Hotshot]

5500 garcia lots of line capacity and at the right price!

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