Just one drift rod

[Catch 22]

If you could have only one drift rod for salmon and steel head fishing, what would it be? I ask this because my friend is looking to start fishing alot more and has been visiting the Clackamas alot this last year or two. I used to take him in my drift boat, but I've moved across the country. He called me today and wanted to know what rods he should be looking at. He is registered here at ifish but remains a lurker. I'm posting this from West Virginia and they don't have rods like those over here. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] He mostly fishes for springers and coho. Any help would be grateful and might get him to come out of the woodwork and stop LURKING! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[fatfish]

Fenwick FS 83C. Fast taper with plenty of backbone. This is an old one but they still can be found and you don't have to spend a bundle. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[Smily]

Fred Meyer's is still having a 20% off sale on Tackle boxes and Rod and reel Combos. I picked up the Abu Garcia Med-heavy with a 5500 c3 Reel for $60.00 then, it's about $70.00 now. It seems descent enough for that aplication. I used it today for Jig and Bobber casting and Drifting bait from my drift Boat. You never said how much he had to spend and or what type of fishing he does now. If your looking upper end, the Lamiglas Rods look pretty nice as well but alot more. I look the cheaper way myself. Either way, Good luck on one that suits your buddy. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Smily [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[SteelieSteve]

1000 series Lamiglass is not to expensive but for the money the berkley Buzz Ramsey graphite rods are the best I could refer him to. For a reel I have a 6001 Ambassador which will run about $80. Hard to use one rod for both Salmon and Steelhead, salmon require a more stout rod than Steelhead. Berkley has both and they are not badly priced.

[Snapset]

If he's got the cash, a Loomis GL3 1024 is almost indestructible, for a cheaper rod, The Berkley Air IM7 Medium Light has the best feel for the price.

[Hookset]

A good drift rod that serves both salmon and steelhead should have a line rating between 10 and 20 pounds, be 8 1/2 feet long and made from graphite to be considered a drift rod. For steelhead use 12 pound test, salmon either 17 or 20. There are a number of rod manufacturers making rods of this size, Lamiglass, G.Loomis and the new kid on the block, Rogue Rods all make great rods for drift fishing. The reason I say graphite is drift rods need the sensitivity to detect bites and fiberglass doesn't perform the same.

Several good reels, already mentioned is the ABU Garcia 6000 or 6001 C3. The Shimano Calcutta series of reels are nice but spendy.
I have some Shimano Corsairs I picked up really cheap and would not recommend these reels. My older silver reels were junk and the jury is still out on the newer gold anodized reels.

To tell you the truth, I'd have a harder time using just one reel then using one rod. I don't like to use really heavy line for steelhead and don't want light line for salmon. Guess you could compromise and use 15 pound test for both fish. Like Steve said, it's really hard to use just one rod/reel for both fish.

Catch22, I remember you. How's life in Virginia? And tell your friend to start posting, nothing here but a bunch of old smelly fisher people. And those that aren't smelly just haven't been fishing enough lately.

hook

[Catch 22]

He's got a new Shimano reel already (can't remember which model). I assume he'll be using it for both species for now.
Snapset, that 1024. Is that beefy enough for chinooks?
Hookset, Hey thanx! Life here is slow. No salmon or steelhead at all. There's nothing to live for!! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
He's willing to spend some money on a good rod. He doesn't want to buy a rod that he won't be happy with later. He's looking at loomis and lamiglas. I was looking at the loomis web page and saw what appeared to be a good rod for his purposes. It was the STR1086C. Does anyone know of this model? Thanx again to everyone. I emailed him about this thread in hopes to get him posting.
BTW I miss this board and it's members almost as much as I miss fishing for those Clackamas springers! You're a great bunch. I'm still lurking from out here in West by God Virginia keeping tabs on you all! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Scrambler]

G. Loomis STR1265C. 10’6” and rated at 10 to 20 lbs. I bought one of these rods for float fishing but now find myself using it for most of my river fishing. I found that the extra length excels on larger rivers and situations where added line control is desired. It will handle a springer with ease but is not to heavy for steelhead. If it came down to just one, this is it.

[Firedog]

Catch 22, it is difficult to get a rod that is perfect for both but a Loomis HS1021
would probably be a good choice. I use this rod for drift fishing for Springers and it
works great. With the light tip it is also adequate for steelhead, not the best but it will
do well. It is rated 10-20. another choice might be a st1085 8-17 a bit light in my opinion
for salmon but a great winter steelhead rod. I love mine fishes great. I would have to
say for one rod go with the HS1021 nice light tip and plenty of backbone. Firedog

[ 06-18-2001: Message edited by: firedog ]

[Sparkey]

Im surprised no one hss mentioned the STR 1025C. I fish the IMX and fish it for steelies and everything but if I was tagetting primarily salmon I would stick with the GL3. It is 8'6", the perfect length and its rated 8-17#.

Lots of power to land kings upwards of 30 plus pounds but a light enough tip to pick up lighter bites and throw lighter lead.

[Hookset]

Good choices between the STR1025C and STR1086C, assuming he wants a casting rod. I can see using either rod.

There are however, tradeoffs. From the bank, I like longer rods. Helps keep the line out of trouble and provides good leverage fighting fish. Except sometimes a shorter rod is easier to manuver around brush. Longer rods, even just 6 inches is a little heavier. Casting all day starts to wear on you and with a heavier rod this happens sooner. I have some 9 foot and 8 1/2 rods and I always reach for the 8 1/2, just feels better and I can cast it all day. The 8 1/2 is balanced really nice too. I'd opt for the 1025C, just a good all around compromise. Ask TH of TH Custom Rods. You can purchase a custom made rod for no more the regular retail. Have your friend email TH, heard nothing but good stories about the rods he builds. And he also really understand the blanks, a great resource.

Either rod would fit the bill. About the blank material. I'm not really sold on GL3 blanks. I know they are supposed to be more sensitive and I have 2 GL3's now, but I still find the GL2's very sensitive and really like the rods. In fact the GL2 is very durable and I know the GL3 is more fragile, guess that's why there is a warranty. If the money is an issue, the GL2 is a great rod.


best of luck,

hook

If he wants just one rod he is not budgeted for a GL3. For the price of one of those he could have 3 of the 'Buzz Ramsey' IM7's and a reel - 6 to 12 lb. for steelhead, 8 to 17 lb. for big winter steelhead and light springer drifting or plugging, and one rated 12 to 25 lb. to fish for big fall chinooks and backbounce for springers. If the 3 are beyond budget I agree with Gregg that a 10 to 20 lb. rated All-Star or Lami 1000 series in a 9' length would be a good all around single rod for both species, that would get him by OK.

RT

[willierower]

G Loomis STR 1025c is would be my choice if I had to choose just one rod. I have an IMX now but used to fish a GL3. I like the GL3 better. I landed 51 lb chinook with the 1025 GL3, I guess you could say it is enough rod for nookers. Ive been sing the IMX for springers and havent had a problem. For steelhead fishing the 1025 is hard to beat.
Scrambler, I have a STR 1265 also. Its a killer float rod. I cant stand drift fishing with it. It is about a sensitive as a wet noodle. I actually used it once for a diver rod for chinook. The tip actually hit th wate on a takedown. The 1265 is an awesome mooching rod too.

[Sand Shrimp]

A Lamiglass 1000 series medium heavy action would be my choice.Don't feel bad I used to live in West Virginia also, although I wouldn't move back there.

[Backlash2]

'Yall will probably think I'm nuts, but I would say a GLoomis 1082c. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I don't drift fish where a 20 lb. steelhead is a likely occurence, so it's perfect for that. As far as salmon go, I only drift fish for springers, and have landed many, many fish on this rod, including a high 20's pig in the Wind. I have many other rods that I fish with, but I always seem to end up with this stick in my hand. As for the reel, Shimano Chronarch SF for everything. 8 or 10 lb. main line for steelhead, and you can load plenty of 50 lb. PowerPro or Whiplash on it for salmon if you so choose. Although the salmon are quite fun on the 10 lb. mono.....

[smilesforu]

lami g1313T kenai guide model (good drift rod)

loomis 1025,1085 are good choices in drift fishing

The 1026 is a heavier rod but is a good choice for kwikfishing salmon

In the loomis series the last number is for rod power/action. I would stay with the 5 on any length. a 4 is a good light line stick and a 6 is a strong backbone rod that loses some sensitivity.

If you go with the longer rod a balancer for the butt will increase sensitivity and reduce fatigue.

I also recommend a graphite rod for drift fishing. A high modulus will give you better sensitivity and decrease the overall weight of the rod.

The rod I use most of the time for both species g1313t works great and has the look of a used rod. It could be improved on but is usually my rod that goes on every trip. 20+ or - rods

[TH]

If I had one drift rod I would go with the TH 1025C *8'6" 8-17#) A rod we sell under our label. 41 million mod. GL3 quality, but with a GL2 price tag. $160 w/ full warranties!
I feel that the 8-17# line rating is strong enough to handle the largest chinook and still igt enough to pick up the small little nibbles of a steelie.
Thanks for the kind words guys!!!!

[Catch 22]

Thanx everyone! He called me today to inform me of his new puchase. He bought a IMX STR1025C. He seems very happy!! He's single so he can be. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Thanx to everyone for their input.

I think I would either choose the Loomis GL3 STR1143C or the 9'0" Rainshadow that I got from TH Custom Rods. I had an IMX 1082C but prefer the 1143.
Stew

[SandyRiverFisher]

As a teenager I fished the Salmon and Sandy rivers almost every day of the year. I caught steelhead up to twenty pounds, tons of summers, winters, fall coho, and my biggest fish ever, a 42lb. springer. all these fish were caught on the same rod and reel. A Lamiglass g1000 coupled with a c5501 ambasadeur. Yeah the Berkley IM7 rods are good, but for just a little more money you get a lifetime warranty and a much more sensitive rod, in my opinion. If you can have only one rod, as when I was a kid, make it a lamiglass.

by the way, I still fish with that lami and abu. Lamiglass has replaced the rod tip twice and fixed the reel seat once, and Ive never had any trouble from them nor have I ever had to pay a cent. Really a great rod and the longevity makes up for the slightly higher price.

[CaToS]

This posting is two fold..

Fist this is my first message on this board. I look forward to exchanging information with fellow fisherman.

2nd... Thanks everyone for giving detailed information about the best drift rod out. I believe I have got a good all around Rod with the GLommis STR1025C IMX 8'6. For me the weight of the rod was a big factor and by far this is one of the lightest rods I have felt. I like the 8-17# weight for catching a variety of fish. I will be able to use lighter line with the rod taking most of the stress. I wanted something in the 9' range but GLoomis did not seem to have anything in the 8 - 17# Range. Finally I choose the GLoomis Over the Lamiglas for the warranty. Short of loosing the rod or it being stolen, I will not be having to reinvest in this rod, beyond the GLommis $45 co-pay for my mistakes.

Now comes the hard part.. I actually have to land a fish :-)

[Hookset]

CatoS, you picked a beauty and I'm sure your going to be very happy with your purchase. What type of reel are you matching up with that rod?

Glad to see you come forward and post, lots of great people and info here. Don't forget to post when you actually get that rod broken in on your first fish.

hook

[SAUKit2em]

Hmmmmmm, let's see.......G Loomis? Nope, too much money so save some and go with the All Star 1025c. I love mine and even though I own an abosoulute shietload of Loomis rods, it'll be a cold day in he11 before I buy another Loomis.

All Star rods kick some serious steelhead and salmon butt!!!

[smoky]

STR1025C GL3
Calcutta 251
fagetabotit!

[CaToS]

The Reel that I have is a Shimono Curado 200. I brought it over from the Berkley IM7 Rod I was using, until it became a nice Fathers day gift. Thanks to my friend, I quickly learned to never take the reel apart on the bank. :-)

[First Bite]

My vote would have to be the 1025 rated from 8-17# test. I use mine for salmon and steelhead and it is one tough rod. I would check out TH rods, it sounds like they have a good deal going.
Mark


www.firstcastjigs.com

[Osprey]

GL-3 #1143......Nuff said.....Os

Got Fish?Silent Approach Jigs

NWO
Team Redneck
Silent Approach Pro-Staff

Hey Os you're not as dumb as the little redneck says you are [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] The 1143 is a great rod! I wish I had another one.
Stew

[parker]

I think I'd have to agree with The Kid on this one. Why only buy one GL3 when you can get two Allstars for dang near the same price?

As for only one rod? Sorry, I'd never recommend just one rod. Mention *two* rods and now we're talking! There's just a huge difference between a coho, steelhead and 'nook to only recommend one rod. I tried that game but honestly could not find just one rod for both steelhead and salmon that I really liked.

[fish forever]

Had the same dillema a few years ago when i got into steelheading and i ended up buying a Medium, 8.5', 10-20 1000 series Lamiglas for about $120 it is a really good all arounder if you can afford only one rod. Some say it is too heavy for a Steelhead drift rod - but i found it to be fine, certainly for winters. It also has done fine for Coho and most chinook <25#. A little light for Big fall fish though or hanging more than 3 oz of weight/lures, although great for drifting or plugs.

I'd echo the comment on GL Loomis. Hard to spend that kind of $$ for a single all arounder - If i had $300 -> I'd be more likely to get 2-3 Berkley or Lami's. One Light 8-12, and one medium/Heavy like a kenai. upgrade to the GL when you want a really nice specialty rod.

[Beek]

The Sage 3106 is an ideal float rod, built for a centerpin.I noticed that no one mentions Sage as their favourite rod...are they not available in WA and Oregon?Most guys in BC consider the Sage as the "premier" drif rod available.

[SteelieSteve]

What kind of warranty goes with Allstar rods? I've checked out a few berkley IM7's and they have touchy enough tips. Not keen on 1 year warranty's though. I've got 2 vintage Loomis rods from the early 80's and never had trouble with them breaking yet. Still in use today.

Beek, Sage makes superb rods! But I have heard they only make upper end expensive flyrods nowdays? I don't see any Sage driftrods for sale in Oregon. One of the best rods I've ever owned, and still getting lots of use, is an 80's vintage Sage drift rod of 8'6" in the 10 to 20 lb. line rating. I use it for Chinook driftfishing and plug pulling (strong butt section and fast action taper with very sensative tip). It's so light and well balanced that I use it for steelhead on occassion; and that rating isn't too heavy for that use 'in this day and Sage' [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] . Just a great rod. It would be nice for if they still made casting drift rods to compete with GLoomis - for those that are willing to pay a whole lot for a rod.

RT