Heavy Rod Reccommendations......

Uncle Roman · 07-15-2001, 09:06 PM

Hi, everybody! I'm in the market for a new rod, one that can handle 4-6 ounces of lead and a K-16 Kwikfish in moderate currents....I already have a Kenia King, but it doesn't have enough sensitivity to show if the plug is gummed up or running well..... Lamiglas' Medium Heavy seems a little wimpy.....so what do you people think? I would appreciate any input you may have, but I probably can't afford Loomis if I can help it. Thanks.

Salmonator · 07-15-2001, 09:39 PM

Loomis HSR932C GL2 7'9" ex-fast tip 1 pc, 1/2 to 5 oz. Designed for fishing inline spinners in Tillamook bay (tip is light enough to see the spinner work). The light tip also makes it the perfect estuary sturgeon rod. You will see all kinds of kwickfish action with this rod. I believe it goes for around $180 but because of its versatility it is worth every penny... Joe

[ 07-15-2001: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

Trick · 07-15-2001, 09:41 PM

UR, I own a couple med/heavy lamisnaps as a few Ifishers call them and I agree they're a little light to be casting 6oz of lead.

I found a decent rod at fishermans marine 4 or 5 months ago. It's a Shimano TDR 1803 in an 8' length and med/heavy action. I've landed a couple 20+ springers on it and has the backbone to cast heavier weights. I've casted upto 8 oz. with it and I didn't get that "ready to buckle" feeling with it.

If I remember right it ran me less then 40 or 50 bucks. It's not as sensitive as your lamiglass but I think it's fair tradeoff for the backbone and price. I've only used it once to run flatfish on and it transmited the pulse pretty well.

Granted it's not a Loomis but when your on a budget.......

Capin' Dan · 07-16-2001, 12:53 AM

Here is my favorite I have two of them and a buddy of mine has two of them. Northriver heavy 8'6" these are great for pulling these heavier plugs and delta divers to. I also use them on keeper sturgeon around trojan. they are a great all around rod. The kenia killer is a very heavy rod I hate mine unless its for oversize sturgeon.

[ 07-16-2001: Message edited by: Capin' Dan ]

sturgn · 07-16-2001, 05:52 AM

I like the Berkley IM7's Heavy action rod, great for keeper sturgeon and salmon, only about 75 bucks....

HOGTIDE · 07-16-2001, 06:28 AM

My favorite all around Salmon rod is a Lamiglas Med. 1 piece back bouncer, T1333, 7'6" long. It has a soft enough tip to mooch herringand watch a lure shake.It is short enough for a comfortable boat rod and just enough meat for heavier lead. A good king will almost overpower it...and that's the point!I hate a big, heavy, weighted toward the tip, stick.

Tanner · 07-16-2001, 07:21 AM

I'm with Hogtide. Lamiglas BackBouncer rods work very well for me.

HOGTIDE · 07-16-2001, 07:41 AM

Hey Salmonator,

Just found your loomis recommendation at the Fishermans Shack site for $191. Looks like my kinda rod according to all of the stat.s Might go to fisherman's today and give one a shake! Wish Loomis would make rods in some more appealing finishes and colors. The flat blue stuff just kinda looks cheap. Remember the old Sage drift rods with the deep glossy brown.

Salmonator · 07-16-2001, 07:57 AM

Hog, I agree about the look but they are anything but cheap. They will take as much abuse as any rod out there. I've put 5 of them through the wringer over the last 3 years have not a bad word to say about them.. Joe

[ 07-16-2001: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

brshooter · 07-16-2001, 07:58 AM

Give Travis a call down at TH Custom Rods. They put out a beautiful rod at a very competitive price.
I just got a 1084 from them. Haven't fished it yet, but I am impressed with what I see.

TH · 07-16-2001, 09:45 AM

The TH 905 7'6" 12-25# mag-taper, fast action... a great tip.. wonderful backbone.. the blank is a GL3+ quality blank $150 +shipping
This rod is much better than the Loomis 932.

superfly · 07-16-2001, 10:05 AM

Pretty Simple one here guys, a Allstar ebb967 if you like the backbouncing style of rods, or an esa 1086 if you like your traditional heavy action salmon rod that will handle anything. I ran into a couple og guy on the wind who had bought the esa 1086's and they absolutley loved em and just hauled the fish to the bank, they owned, you can pretty much dictate what is going to happen with that much power in your hands.
If you are going to fish Kwikies and stuff like that I would suggest the ehs 962, a 8 foot one piece hotshot rod with a soft tip and lots of *** to punsish those fish. My personel favorite for backbouncing and backtrolling large plugs and baits.
Peace Superfly [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Salmonator · 07-16-2001, 12:08 PM

Super and TH, what kind of warranty do your rods have, and do you have something similar to the Loomis expedite system. I do like the fact that no matter what I do to bust a rod I can get it replaced, 2nd day air for 45 bucks no matter what model or cost of the rod. I might consider a different brand with a similar system... Joe

superfly · 07-16-2001, 02:34 PM

Joe,(Salmonator) the allstars are liftime just like the Loomis's.
To dude who likes the gl-2 1086 for over 200.00 try the allstar with a higher modulous graphite in there 1086 for around 129.00 retail, you'll never go back.
And Joe, lets go wack on some salmon together, what's homeboy Grant Money up to these days? He never calls me back.
Anyways ASk for allstars at your local dealers. Englund Marine might have them soon. Lets all cross our fingers on that one.
Peace Superfly [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

HOGTIDE · 07-16-2001, 02:48 PM

TH, Where can I get my hands on one of your rods? Are they all custom wrapped? Is TH now a blank brand or just your signature on a wrapped rod. Hate to order something I havent put a bend to. Already have a couple dozen 'reserve' rods racked up in the garage because they just don't feel right. It would be fun to have a couple made, if I found the right blank

And..."pretty 'FLY' for a white guy", don't know of any place in the Portland metro area that carries Allstars, either. Is there a spot with a large selection in Washington? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[ 07-16-2001: Message edited by: HOGTIDE ]

Salmonator · 07-16-2001, 02:57 PM

'fisky, G-Money is busy working bankers hours and taking a few trips on the side. I was going to give you a holler a while back when you were looking for that salt-salmon trip but I ended up having too much going on to get out. Maybe we'll hit the siletz this fall like we were supposed to do last year... Joe

TH · 07-16-2001, 03:25 PM

Hey the TH Rod is a rod that we are selling under our own label but it is a Rainshadow blank built by TH Custom Rods. We build the full line fly rods, bass, salmon/steelie hotshot rods, offshore, you name it...anything Loomis sells I can sell.
The blanks are a GL3+ quality blank.. they come w/ a lifetime warranty just like Loomis does, but w/ a $25 dollar warranty cost rather than a $45 dollar cost.. we do all the warranty work for free... plus shipping!
We have sold over a hundred of these rods to cliets and guides all over the NW, and they are all saying the same thing...t they wont go back to a Loomis rod..
Anyone who has ever purchased one of our rods will agree, the craftsmanship and quality of our rods is second to none, you wont buy another fatory rod again I promise or I'll buy it back!

let me know what I can do.
the TH 1086 is a salmon killer! good for bay trolling, drift fishing and even plug pulling!

onstep · 07-16-2001, 04:30 PM

The Loomis 983 is the only way to go. Have a set of 6 they are the finest all around salmon rod around. I use them trolling as mush as my sar1084 set. They shine the best with 50 pound tuff line and kwikfish or backbouncing.

Trick · 07-16-2001, 05:52 PM

Hey, remember guys he can't afford a loomis. We're looking for some lower priced alternatives.

Uncle, what price range were you looking for?

Uncle Roman · 07-16-2001, 05:57 PM

Thank you all very much for your opinions and advice! Now, when I go to buy, I'll have a much better idea of what rods to focus on, and will much less likely be swayed by some dude who just wants my money......I guess now it is time for the ol' shake test...... Thanks again, everyone!

SteelieSteve · 07-16-2001, 06:43 PM

Whats the warranty on the Berkley Buzz Ramsey series? Nice feeling rods for a econo price. But how long are they backed?

fishineer · 07-16-2001, 07:07 PM

SS,
I have 3 of the Berkley Buzz Rods: 2 of the medium heavy rods and 1 extra heavy (A92-8-6-XH).
Couple of weeks ago I was fishing for sturgeon in the estuary with the XH rod and had a great bite. I went to set the hook and the rod broke right above where the upper piece slips onto the lower section.

So, I e-mailed Berkley and basically, since I've had the rod for over a year, it is out of warranty and they won't replace it. They did say that I could replace it for a nominal charge, but I haven't found out what that is yet.

Anyway, to replace it, I went and bought a Lamiglass rod with a better warranty. It was a little more, but I am hoping it will be worth it in the long run.

Good Luck,
Dave

smilesforu · 07-16-2001, 08:48 PM

1026 the 102 is the length the 6 is the power rating. The shorter rod is better because it will keep the line more parallel to the boat. If you dealing with tides and ocean fishing a rod a little longer is better to help keep the line from under the boat and away from motors. my .02 cents

4Salt · 07-16-2001, 11:07 PM

A good all-around heavier rod for kings, keeper sturgeon etc.. Loomis STR1086c GL2. 9' rated 10-20, fast tip, and heavy butt section. It's more of a drift rod than a plug puller, but I've pulled K-15's just fine with it. Cost is around $200, and I've beat the hell out of the 2 that I own, and they've been great.

Hookset · 07-16-2001, 11:32 PM

The old saying is true....."you get what you pay for".

Roman, If you can afford it, buy a rod in the $100 to $200 dollar range. Check out some rods and write down the blank number and rod maker. Then email TH Custom rods for a price quote. From the prices I've seen, TH is very competitive and will build you a great rod.

I presently like Loomis rods and agree with Salmonator on the GL2's. A great blank with very good sensitivity. What I like most in Loomis blanks is the variety. You can find a blank to match every fishing method and style.

I'm not familiar with the TH blanks or the manufacturer but if TH recommends them, they must be good.

For my personal use, I have 3 Loomis rods I like that fit your fishing needs, except for price.

BBR 904C GL2 7'6" 12-25 line 1-6 oz. Nice solid back bounce rod, handles salmon and sturgeon. The tip is a little to stiff for trolling.

BBR 965C GL3 8' 17-40 line 2-8 oz. This is my heavy back bouncer. For fast water with heavy weights, this is the rod. Works very well with heavy lead and large K-16 kwikfish. Good salmon and sturgeon rod. I troll with this rod too, but the tip is a little stiff for this. Instead of buying this GL3, I'd buy the GL2 BBR 964C 8' 12-25 1-6 oz.

Now for my do everything all purpose rod.

HSR 983C GL2 8'2" 14-30 line 5/8-6 oz. I really like this rod and has become my favorite for all types of fishing. I use this rod to back bounce, troll, run spinners, diver/bait and catch sturgeon. The tip is sensitive to detect light biters and has enough back bone to land heavy fish. Without a doubt, my favorite all purpose salmon/sturgeon rod.

good luck on your search,

hook

[ 07-16-2001: Message edited by: hookset ]

Pilar · 07-17-2001, 04:58 AM

Hey Joe, I second the 932c loomis. It's the only rod I use for keeper sturgeon. Second use would be dragging spinners for Tbay fall kings. I didn't even realize it could be used for that until I consulted the looomis catalog. Oh yeah and then we caught a 22 lb buck steelhead on the sandy driftfishing with that same rod. Pretty versatile, one piece, fast tip and tough too.

I have 3 of them and they are approved by the sturgeon general.

willierower · 07-17-2001, 05:47 AM

Yo Ian........Oops, I meant Uncle Roman, I have a heavey Hybrid (2 different blanks) rod just laying around collecting dust. Let me know if you would like to shake it. I will almost give it to you. Its got purple wraps on the guides, I call it the purple pig sticker [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img].
Let me know.

[ 07-17-2001: Message edited by: willierower ]