Springer Rod & Reel Recommendations

ScottD · 01-26-2002, 01:03 PM

What would you suggest for a Salmon rod/reel combo for Springer fishing? The techniques I plan on trying are mainly going to be backbouncing Kwickfish or anchoring and trying Kwickfish or spinner rigs. (From I-205 up to Bonneville)

Springer fishing on the Columbia is new to me but it sounds like fun. I am open to any suggestions and comments.

Thanks in advance.
:smile:

Pete · 01-26-2002, 01:11 PM

The usual way of things is to find things you want to improve or change with your gear the more you use it. So, recognize that your first rod and reel will probably be the first in a series or collection. A solid, relatively inexpensive reel is an Ambassadeur 6500 (or 6501 if you reel with your left hand) and a North River (sold at Fisherman's) rod. With line, you should be able to get set up for under $150. You can certainly spend a lot more ... and eventually, you probably will!

Thumper · 01-26-2002, 01:22 PM

Pete is right on. The North River backbouncer is a great salmon rod and the guarantee is bulletproof --- you break it, they replace it --- no muss, no fuss. About $79 ($69 on sale). And the Ambassadeur is the old standby in reels. And the price is right on that too.

ScottD · 01-26-2002, 01:32 PM

Thanks Pete and Thumper. That's just the kind of info I was hoping for. I need to buy a rod/reel for my wife and for me so an economical price is nice. I will be asking a lot more questions on this site as the season gets closer.

WheresMyBobber · 01-26-2002, 02:01 PM

Thumper, Pete or anybody-

Like you I'm stuck on Ambassadeurs. I've got a 6001, a couple 6501 C3's and I just bought a 6501 C4 that I haven't used yet.

Have you guys used the C4's yet? It's got a 6:3 gear ratio instead of the 5:3 in the C3's, and I thought I'd give one a try since I wanted to add a reel this year anyway.

Thumper · 01-26-2002, 02:22 PM

I have a couple of C4s. Love them for plugging and general boat fishing.

Wernergonefishin · 01-26-2002, 02:31 PM

W.W Griggs Custom Made Backbouncers 69$ There made down there in portland I have 4 of them very nice use from the ocean to the dam. They are a one peice rod,I run plugs kwikfish Herring Divers. Cant beat the price for such a nice rod.

Good luck see ya on the river

fishbait · 01-26-2002, 03:29 PM

Prefer the Berkley Buzz Ramsey IM6 backbouncer to the Northriver backbouncer. Have each and the Berkley is the first one picked. Think the price is the same, not sure about the gurantee. Don't get me wrong, the Northriver is a good rod, I have many.

Thumper · 01-26-2002, 04:04 PM

The Berkeley rod is a good rod too, and it is priced the same as the North River. The big difference is in the guarantee. If you break a North River, you walk out with a new one. If you break a Berkeley, they send it back (so I'm told). That tips the scale for me.

David Johnson · 01-26-2002, 04:33 PM

GLommis 983. Works great for Kwikfsih, trolling herring, backbouncing up to 12 oz, anchor fishing alvins.....

Ramstrong · 01-26-2002, 06:51 PM

Last year I used a berkley IM7 15-50 with a 5500C3 and 30# powerpro. This year I've bought a 6600CB and am looking at spooling it with 50# powerpro. I was thinking about 65# but I didn't want to overload the rod. I had a friend break one of the 15-50 rods last year at B-10, he brought it to fishermans and they would've replaced it on the spot. He decided to go with a North River for the replacement. Fishing the rods side by side, I'd say I prefer the Buzz Rod.

Catch 22 · 01-26-2002, 07:02 PM

I believe the Buzz rods carry a one year warranty.

ScottD · 01-26-2002, 07:21 PM

Hey guys, sounds like Fishermans is a place I'm going to have to check out. Can someone give me an address so I can find it. I plan to the Sportsman Show at the Expo on the 8th and I figure I could stop at Fishermans befor the Expo opens up. Sounds like they must have a bunch of gear. :grin:

Grnhead99353 · 01-26-2002, 07:32 PM

Somebody posted a URL for Berkley Air IM7 rods awhile back. Anyone remember what it was?

Catch 22 · 01-26-2002, 08:12 PM

Here ya go, grnhead.

http://www.berkley-fishing.com/home.cfm

For the money these rods are super. I used them a couple years ago and until you want to step up to Loomis, there's no reason to spend much more.

[ 01-26-2002: Message edited by: Catch 22 ]</p>

Salmonator · 01-26-2002, 08:46 PM

Loomis 932C GL2. The best all around boat rod in my opinion, can use for practically everything. Even bobber fishing tidewater if you're using a good high-floating braided line. Extra fast taper gives it a nice light tip, good for seeing light biting sturgeon and a kwickfish working. Plenty of backbone for a springer to hook himself after he takes that Kwickie down.

[ 01-26-2002: Message edited by: Salmonator ]</p>

Snapshot · 01-26-2002, 09:02 PM

I have to throw in my .02 worth on rods. If you are not used to using these rods and there is any chance of breaking one, go with the best warrenty. They all are made of the same things and the major differences is color. I'm not talking about the more expensive rods but the more affordable ones for someone just getting into it. I see you are from up north of the river. Go to Woodland and the Lamiglass factory on the East side of I-5 and look at their rods before you buy anything. When you exit at Woodland, go streight through the first light and you will find Lamiglass on the right side of that street. They usually have a lot of 2nds that can be bought for the same money or less than the North River of Berkleys. If you talk to one of the guys there, you can but two rods with a little discount off the marked price tags. Make them an offer, it's your money. Fishermans Marine and GI Joes are both located at the Delta Park exit on the East side of I-5 behind BurgerKing.
The right combo can be used for many years to come, so do your shopping.

*Fish only bite wet hooks*

ScottD · 01-26-2002, 09:54 PM

What kind of warranty do Lamiglas rods have? I saw the following rod for sale on an internet site: (Lamiglas Kenai Special G1314-T 8'6" Med 12-25lb 2 Pc) Would this be a good rod for what I am going to be doing?

proguide · 01-26-2002, 10:10 PM

HEY SCOTTD YOU SAID YOU ARE GOIN TO THE SPORTSMEN SHOW. FISHERSMEN MARINE WILL BE THERE. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR ROD COMBO QUEST!

Catch 22 · 01-27-2002, 12:28 AM

I've seen both the loomis 932 and 983 suggested here. They are both excellent rods. I have them both and enjoy them. However, they are quite different. If you had to choose one boat rod for everything, I would go with the 932. However, it's too light for trolling in big currents in my opinion. It will work, but the 983 does it better. The 983 will spank it backbouncing too. If you think you're going to spend alot of time on the Clack or Willamette (or comparable rivers in size), I would go with the 932. It was actually designed for Tillamook bay. Bigger water, the 983. Go to www.gloomis.com/cat_ch18.htm and compare the two. They both come in GL2 and will last your lifetime.

David Johnson · 01-27-2002, 03:17 AM

We've even landed a couple over size sturgeon on the Loommis 983 (hooked them on Kwikfish)

I use to run the 932's but have since switched that set of rods over to 983's instead.

As far as running Power Pro, I go with the 65# no problem.

Wernergonefishin · 01-27-2002, 08:06 PM

Check your private ifish mail

stlhdr1 · 01-27-2002, 09:41 PM

I love my loomis 981 and 982 and know the 983 is a great one also. If you don't mind spending the money, they sure are sensative...
As for reels I prefer the Calcuttas for salmon but the 6500/'s are nice, especially the C4..
Keith :grin:

David Johnson · 01-28-2002, 09:31 AM

If you are going to use braided line make sure you put some backing on your reel before filling it up. All you need is about 130 yards of line so put some mono on behind it.

Also, 65# isn't too heavy with a lighter drag.