Steelhead reels & rods

HOGGEMIN · 12-28-2002, 10:37 PM

A newbe to steelhead fishing, For steelhead drift fishing what reel and rod do you use? Also for lite weight bobber and jig fishing do you use a casting or spinning combo what is this combo? Thanx for the replys all you ifishers rock. I have learned a lot from reading all these posts. Looking foward to meeting you all at a local fishing hole or where ever we my meet. Again thanx for your time.

AtWorkALot · 12-28-2002, 11:00 PM

Berkely IM7 Medium 8-12lb with an ambassadeur 5500C3 will work like a champ. If money is no object, a nice Lamiglas or Loomis medium with a Shimano Curado reel is the cat's pajamas. I use a Berkely/Ambassadeur combo for drift fishing and bobber and jig, with the only difference being tuf-line xp instead of maxima ultragreen on the jig setup. I'm sure most here will recommend a spinning combo for jigs, it's the better way to go for that kind of fishing. You don't need to spend a ton of money to get a quality setup... Cheers...

Thumper · 12-29-2002, 03:37 AM

Bobber/jig --- 10.5 ft Lami Certified Pro, counterbalanced by quarters on the butt (bus fare anytime!). Levelwind reel. 30 pound hi-vis Power Pro.

Unskunked · 12-29-2002, 04:00 AM

I have the Loomis 8-12 lb., 8'6" GL3 (1024) with Curado BSF. This is a great all around setup, but spendy. The same rod in GL2 is quite a bit cheaper. I strongly recommend the Curado.

gimmeumpqua · 12-29-2002, 06:53 AM

For Jig-Bobber...

Loomis IMX str1141 Medium-slow action with Penn 4400ss spinner. I use 10# Hivis Power proline with a 8 foot 10 # flouro leader double uniknotted to it, so it reels up nicely.

For Drift, the same rod, but with 8-10 # flouro line.

I really love the Loomis Str1141...action is slow making it a great bobber and drift rod for steelhead. I have 3 of them...a GLX really spendy, but got this one barely used on Ebay, an IMX which is a bit less but still expensive and a great rod, and a GL3, which for some reason is my favorite, I like it's feel better than the the more expensive ones.

I think spinning reels work the best for these techniques you mention, less tangle worries when letting line out with bobbers, and lighter in the boat. I save my levelwinds for Salmon.

Enjoy!

Kurt

Birdnest · 12-29-2002, 07:28 AM

Howdy,

I have the exact combo posted earlier, IM7 with a ABU 5503C. It works great and did not break the bank. It was worth the time to learn to use a left handed reel. There are alot of people that will tell you need a $300 rod and a $200 reel, but for starting out you don't. If you don't break the bank on your rod and reel you should have enough left over for a 20' sled and a nice driftboat. :grin:

HOGGEMIN · 12-29-2002, 08:01 AM

Thanks for all the info so far. hey birdsnest I have a 20' sled just need to learn how to drift boat than I'm sure I will buy one of those.

HOGGEMIN · 12-29-2002, 02:17 PM

BTTT!!! I would like more info want to buy a new rod and reel for lite bobber and jig fishing also a new steelhead castin reel for my Loomis 1263c GL3!!!!!!!! Thanx.

brshooter · 12-29-2002, 02:39 PM

For light bobber/jig fishing, the 1143S is a very popular rod. One of TH's most popular blanks. I have TH building one in a 1143 spinning rod for me now. Top it off with a Okuma Epixor or a Stradic, and you're good to go. I also use a 1143 for a casting rod. I have a GL3 topped with a 201BSF. I am a big fan of TH Rods. You can get a TH1143 for about 60% of the cost of a GL3.

blacktail · 12-29-2002, 06:30 PM

Something between 9-10.5' in a light or medium light action for the bobber and jig rod. Personally, I use an 1141 and a 2000 Stradic, but some people find it to be a little too "noodly".

For the 1263 I'd say a 250 or 251 Calcutta.

Mike

yarndog · 12-29-2002, 06:34 PM

I love my curado and GL2 8-17.

Ifishsum · 12-29-2002, 06:35 PM

I'm with AtWorkALot on this one...got the exact combo great setup for less than $150

Air IM7 Berkley and Ambassadeur 5501. Mostly for drifting, don't really bobber fish

HOGGEMIN · 12-29-2002, 08:08 PM

Thanks for all the replys really helped out now to go shoping.

Catch 22 · 12-29-2002, 08:57 PM

Light jig rod~ Loomis STR1082S GL2 is fine. You don't need an expensive rod for a bobber rod. Truth is you could go alot cheaper. This rod doubles as a great drift rod for light gear, side drifting and the like. Coupled with a Shimano Sahara 2000. I run 3 of these setups and love them.

Wannabe · 12-30-2002, 04:33 AM

9 1/2 foot - 4 to 10# lami (Esprit) with a 2000 Symetri. Use for both bobbers and drifting. I like spinning due to the fact in lower flows I have more control casting smaller baits and leads. This rod has good back bone but a soft enough tip to not rip out hooks.
&lt

))><