Help! I need a new rod.

[E2]

I am new to fishing on my own. I took my rod and spinning reel out to Big Creek this afternoon and on the 10 or 12th cast I hooked up a stick and the rod snapped just above the connection joint. I am addicted to fishing and want to invest in a good rod but can't spend a fortune. I am 5'4" woman and like to cast for steelhead on northcoast streams. (Will also want to fish for salmon in the spring. Do I need different rods?) What length of rod, what type of action should I be looking for? I looked on this site where they are selling things but I don't understand all the numbers and abreviations and what the lengths mean. I am reading books but they also seem to assume that one knows what all the terms mean. Got a fishing encyclopedia at the library today--maybe that will help. Also any recommendations for a beginner reel? Thanks. E2

[River Ranger]

Berkley.8'6" or 9' .8-12 lb test .Do all rods around $60.
R.R.

[yarndog2003]

I like that Berkley as well. It is a one year warranty. If you want to spend $185 you can get a nice rod with lifetime warranty. My Gloomis will last my my life time.

[steel_beaver]

berkley are great but you may want to get the 10-20 #line one if you want to use it for salmon too...

SB

[steelheadslayer]

I don't have any experience with Berkeley but I've heard good things about em. Take a look at All Star, lifetime warranty and just a little more than the Berkeley. Contact Scott at Get Bent. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Quasimodo the fish killer]

the people that said a 10 to 20 lb in an 8ft6in rod I have to agree with I have one I use for winterand summer stelhead plus I get a lot of spring chinook on it also.

I have tried the berklys they feel a little spongy for me for drift fishing they dont seem to have quite as much backbone as I like.

I am not sure where your from or if you have a BiMart there but Diawa makes a rod called a heartland and I been looking at one of those they would be something for you to look into they are inexpensive about $60


Quasi


.

[Snapset]

A slightly cheaper option is the Shakespeare Intrepid. It runs 40 bucks, is not as sensitive as a loomis, but seems to be a tough enough rod. I have one of these for use as a loaner rod, and a backup spinner rod when sensitivity is not so important. If you can afford the Berkley, go for it. It has good sensitivity. My buddy has an Abu Conolon in 8-12 and it is an even better rod for the price, in my opinion. I have caught a ton of salmon on an 8-12 lb. rod, but if you think you might have a proclivity to be a rod snapper, the 10-20 might be a better bet. I would guess the rod you snapped was one of the Eagle Claws with the diamond wraps. They have a horrible weak spot right above the ferrule. Regardless of the brand If the rod you broke was purchased recently, bring it back to the store you bought it from. Almost all of the stores that sell rods will give you full credit towards a new rod.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Probably the most popular rod for what you describe is a 10-20 lb 8'6" length. If you only want to target steelhead you might drop down to 8-12 lb or if you want a heavier rod maybe 12 -25 lbs, but 10-20 is very versital.

Most manufacturers use their own model numbers but for several of them they will use some letters and then numbers. If the letters look like HS or some variation there of, it probably means "Hot Shot" which has a more limber tip for watching the plug work which is not ideal for bank drifting in most peoples opinion. You are probably looking for a ST or SA number up front followed by some numbers.

The numbers like 1024 or 1025 or 1084 following the letters will tell you the length and power rating for most manuf. The first three numbers are length of rod in inches and the last number is the power rating which again varies from manuf to manuf. Check the line rating and you will get a general idea of the power rating. The 102 in a 1024 is inches long or 8'-6", a 1084 would be 9 feet long, an 1143 would be 9'-6" long. Then there is Lamiglass who give you a number like GSA1021, it is a Graphite Salmon rod that is 102 inches long and a 1 piece rather than a power rating, a GSA1022 would be the same rod in a 2 piece rod.

Your question is very difficult to answer because there is no standard, and each manuf numbers their rod in their own way. Find a quality tackle shop and look at rods and ask questions. It wont be long and you will figure it out.

[E2]

Thank you all for your good advice. Bait o' Eggs I really appreciate you deciphering the mysterious letters and numbers. quite rational and once so clearly explained quite easy to follow. Snapset, it was a Shakespeare but an "executive". it was a gift second hand from my fishing teacher, teacher is gone and now so is the rod. Sad. But with your kind help I will replace it so I can go throw jigs in the stream again and catch some more sticks. Is there a way to change my moniker? E 2 is not military--it is an abbreviation of Euphrosyne, the goddess of joy and heart. Think I need to find something fishier or streamier. Blessings. E2

[crfsteelheader]

One of my favorite rods for both salmon and steelhead is my 8'6" Lamiglas G1000, it is medium-heavy action and i think it takes 10-25 lb line. It is a sweet feeling rod and has a lifetime warranty, a bit less than an equivelent G. Loomis (about 140) with just as good R&D put into it. I have one I never fish with anymore because I got a new one for christmas last year, so if you would like to field test one let me know.

[crfsteelheader]

Sorry, I forgot, I would personally recommend an Abu Garcia 5500 series for a beginner with baitcasting gear, very tough, relatively inexpensive and no inertia magnets to fuss with. As far as spinning reel goes any Shimano should last you a long time, I personally use the Symetry models for my spinning applications, they are around $80, but a TX-2000 will handle any steelhead and last years for under $40.

[Woody]

I don't want to offend the loomis/lami guys, but not everyone can afford a $150-300+ rod. I know I can't.

Go with the Berkley 8'6" 10-20, good all around starter rod.

[rob allen]

Berkley'd are ok but not made in America..

Go up to Lamiglas in woodland and buy one of their seconds for less than a hundred bucks and keep American workers working.. doing this you should be able to get a great steelhead rod and a great spring shinook rod for 150 bucks or so.. Also Lamiglas is an Ifish sponser so you'll also be supporting this website