Best Mid-Priced Steelhead Outfit?

PayDay · 12-05-2003, 02:21 PM

I've been using Ambassadeur 5500's along with $50-$60 casting rods for steelhead for years, so about $125 for the outfit, mostly because that's what I felt I could afford and they've worked pretty well. I'm going to have about $250 to spend on a new drift fishing outfit in the next couple of weeks... Any recommendations on a little nicer 8 1/2 foot rod and level wind combo for about $250?

pearl · 12-05-2003, 02:24 PM

Adiboy

I have a nice "NEW" Lamiglas / "New" Shimano combo for sale on the classified board.

Check it out.

willametteriveroutlaw · 12-05-2003, 02:27 PM

Hmmmmmmm,
If you watch sales you could possibility get into a Curado and a Rogue or a Gl2 loomis.. Joes runs some sales right before christmas on curados (well at least last year) and possibily rogues too. You'll be stuck paying full pop for a loomis, although check around you might be able to find a nice used one. I personally like the 9' and 9.5' rogues, in a 6-12 for steelies.. For the money, a curado is porably one of the sweetest reels out there.

Sambo · 12-05-2003, 02:27 PM

I love the Berkley IM-7 rod. Bets rod you can buy for the money. I would try a Shimano Curado BSF Baitcaster. They sell for around $150, but I think you can get them on sale occasionally. That would just about spend your $250. You could also go the other way and spend more on a pole (G.Loomis GL-2, Rainshadow Blank, Lamiglas, etc.) and buy a cheaper reel. Just my .02

Sambo

Swim Shady · 12-05-2003, 02:30 PM

Adiboy, I have had great luck with Shimano Curado's the reel base price is about 119. And the Super Free is 149ish. I just recently outfitted my boat with All Star Rods. The All Star Elite will run you about 100 or so. The nice thing about these rods is they have an over the counter replacement, or so I am told, have not had to use this as of yet. I picked them up at Sportsman�s Warehouse, but I am sure other vendors carry the line. The package is under 250 and will treat you well. Good Luck

fishgetter · 12-05-2003, 02:32 PM

I LIKE THIS SET UP. LAMIGLAS 1306-T 8'6 8-12LB ROD VERY NICE, LIFETIME GUARANTEE APPROX. $130. ABU 5500 C4 REEL VERY NICE AS WELL APPROX. $80.

Spinner · 12-05-2003, 04:31 PM

I am assuming $120-$150 is mid price range here. I agree that the Berkeley IM-7 is a great rod for the money, I think they are 59.99 right now, possibly a little lower some places. North River rods are approx $80, low end lamiglas $100. A great all purpose reel in my opinion is the Ambassadeur 5500C3/4 or 5501C3/4 (I prefer left hand for casting)and this reel can be used for bay salmon fishing as well, the bad thing is that it does not cast very lightweighted rigs well, cost is around $69. GI Joes sometimes has 20% off coupons for 1 reg. priced item, I like to use these for Lamiglas rods & Ambass reels, GLoomis rods and Shimano reels are not usually included on these coupons.

Fast Action · 12-05-2003, 04:55 PM

No doubt get a Curado. You will not be dissapointed, and match it up with a 8-12 - 8-17. After just finishing a 9' 8-12 I prefer the extra 6". Shop around as has been mentioned.

GOT2FISH · 12-05-2003, 05:44 PM

Berkly IM-7 Med Casting with a Curado CU200bsf if you spool it with sensithin you can get plenty on the real. Its well balanced and will cast a country mile.I have sevral and fish them hard they seem to hold up well. Good Luck. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

riverraider · 12-05-2003, 05:46 PM

Probably the two best choices you can make with a higher end rod would be a Certified Pro series of your liking, or a Rogue Rod. Both are great (personally I use the Rogues but both are great).
Depending on model you'll spend right at $190.
Rogue Rods are a little faster action and (I think) a little stiffer than the line rating would normally indicate, so look to the 6-12 rated rods like a sh904 or sh964 for a level wind outfit.
In the Certified Pro, the 9 1/2 in the 6-12 rating is great if you want something a little lighter, or the more versatile 8-12.

If $190 is a little high, call Lamiglas or look at the various sporting goods places and find one that is one of their cosmetic blems for about $100. (Yes, they are hard to find)

other than the Ambassidor 5500 series for about 55-60 bucks, your only real good option is the $119 (less if on sale) Curado. Wish I could give you more options for reels, but those are the best in each price class.

SteelieSteve · 12-05-2003, 05:51 PM

TH Rods has some great deals going on right now. Check his ad, The top reel for the money would be the Shimano Curado (BSF model optional). TH uses very good quality blanks and not near as costly as the top Lami's or Loomis rods. Plus he is a Ifish sponsor.

blacktail · 12-05-2003, 07:51 PM

Rogue, Lamiglas Certified Pro or a Rainshadow in either 9 or 9.5 feet with a Curado.

That might push you closer to $300 than $250, but any of these would be a great choice.

Mike

brshooter · 12-05-2003, 08:35 PM

Make sure you check out TH Custom Rods. I prefer a longer rod like the 1143, but 1024 or 1084 would work well. Watch his specials and demo rods. Should be able to pick up a rod and still have enough for a curado.

PayDay · 12-08-2003, 08:53 PM

Thanks to all for the info.
I got set up this morning with a new Lamiglas (Fisherman's did a price match for me) and a Curado spooled with 8# Ultragreen, plus I had a few bucks leftover to buy a couple other odds and ends. This is a sweet steelhead drift outfit, the nicest I have ever owned... I can't wait to get it wet! :smile: