Freedrifting rod suggestions?

Fish Hunter · 11-26-2002, 05:17 AM

What makes a good freedrifting rod? I broke a spinning rod last summer and want to replace it with another that is good for this type of fishing. Currently considering Loomis str1141 and str1082. What do you prefer and why?

drifter · 11-26-2002, 05:36 AM

Fish Hunter - I consider the Loomis IMX 1082 to be the best steelhead rod I have ever used. I use it with a levelwind (calcutta) for drift fishing. However, I know one of the top guides who is planning to freedrift the Clackamas this year using GL3 1082s with spinning reels. The 1082 will give you the sensitivity you want plus the backbone you need. Also, don't listen to those who say that the 1082 is too light for big steelhead. I have landed fish up to 18 lbs from the bank with mine. Good luck, drifter.

crabbait · 11-26-2002, 05:47 AM

Try a TH1143 built on a Rainshadow blank in either casting or spinning models. It has the extra beef over the 1141 yet retains the length for mending and solid hooksets.

You can reach TH Custom Rods by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. Get a custom rod at the price of a factory GLoomis.

[ 11-26-2002, 06:49 AM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

onstep · 11-26-2002, 07:08 AM

I've had the opprotunity to fish with most of the top free drifting guys in Southwest Washington and Oregon. By far the majority use the 1141 in either the IMX or GL3 this rod was designed for the type of fishing you are wanting to do. I wouldn't go with anything else and I wouldn't worry about not having a enough power. My largest steelhead (24 pounds)was taken with one of these matched with a shimano stradic and 10 pound maxima. Good luck. Which guide was thinking of using the 1082?

bait boy · 11-26-2002, 08:45 AM

How much do ya want to spend would be my question. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] I have fished the loomis's but at 300 bucks for an IMX, I will settle for my 69.00$ North river spinning rod. 9' and 8-12Lb line rating. Its all I used last year on the Lewis and It doubles as a jig n' bobber rod too. :grin:

combine that with a 2nd or third level spinning reel in size 2000 or 3000 (pick your own favorite brand) and you should be out the door for under 150.

(at that price you can get one for the wife too for under the cost of the fancy rod.....)

If you want you can try it out on a trip on my river.... my boat or yours

[ 11-26-2002, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: bait boy ]

Fish Hunter · 11-26-2002, 10:56 AM

What do ya mean Rick this rod is for my wife

(It might end up being stored in my boat from time to time though! ) Thanks for the invite! I've been meaning to call you.

Thanks for the rod suggestions, keep them coming.

I know that I'll only buy lifetime guaranteed rods from here on out. The North River rods have that. I have stuck with cheaper rods for years up until my last three. They are Loomis's and their worth it to me when drift fishing. Free drifting....well I'm not so sure it makes that much diffference. I'm not completely dialed in this method yet though, if you are I'd welcome your opinion.
I read that softer rods will keep bait in the fishes mouth longer. This might indicate that mono might work better than braid too?

Dragfreedrift · 11-26-2002, 12:49 PM

I would agree with Crabbait. I own an TH 1143...its a great rod. Only downside is that its over $150.

HC

RichH · 11-26-2002, 12:54 PM

I had a couple of 7 wt flyrod blanks tied up for spinning tackle and they work great. I had it done for under $100 each. If you want to spend a bunch of $$ then Rogue rods make a nice side drifting rod. I don't know the blank #, I used them while fishing with a guide on the Rogue last year.

Sneaky One · 11-26-2002, 03:50 PM

I use an Allstar 1141S 2 works good for me shimano with 10# line

Catch 22 · 11-26-2002, 04:51 PM

I run (3) STR 1082S's in my driftboat for steelhead. I drift bait and run jigs with them. I love those rods. Coupled up with Shimano Sahara 2000's they are great setups that beginners and experienced clients can use and appreciate.

Tilla · 11-26-2002, 05:20 PM

Allstar 1141, the right rod.
The 9"6" is a great length from a boat. The light action allows the fish to strike while the boat is going the other way on 10 lb line/8 lb leader. Poor souls with their too stiff 1143's and broken leaders from hooksets.
The 1141 also worked fine as a bobber/jig rod too. And did well as a spinner rod for Silvers.

KingFisher85 · 11-26-2002, 05:51 PM

D&E rods makes some good steelhead rods. You might want to take a look at them. D&E rods

TH · 11-26-2002, 06:32 PM

Side drifting is one of my favorite methods of catching fish..I spend most of my time doing this.
I prefer the TH 1081s (9' 4-8#) or the TH 1084s (9' 6-12#) both rods are 9' in length.. plenty long in my opinion and have very soft tips.. the 1084 has a bit more "guts" in the mid section, since it is a mod-fast action the 1081 is a slower action and is very soft! Just like the 1141 model yet in a 9' version. You can throw a small piece of lead forever with the 1081 it loads up really well.
Unless you are fishing the larger river up north I would stick to a shorter boat rod.. it is much easier to handle in a drift boat, especially with two guys in the front seat.

riverraider · 11-26-2002, 07:40 PM

My partner and I have both chosen the Rogue Rods SS904 S-2 for side drifting.
a 9' spinning rod rated for 6-10 line. Based on an 8-weight flyrod blank. Rated moderate in action and medium in weight. The action is ideal for side-drifting as too fast an action isn't normally ideal for this type of fishing. you can put an unbelievable amount of pressure on a stubborn fish.
they also make a 9' med-light rated for 4-8 line called the SS903 S-2 (SS stands for spit shot / side-drift). $219 wherever you can find one. Also check out www.roguerods.com
Between my partner and I we have 6 and wouldn't trade them for any IMX.