Bank Rods for Sturgeon

bobofish · 12-23-2004, 03:21 AM

Boys and Girls,
I'm looking to get something a little better than my 9'6" surf rod for banking the gators. In theory, I am interested in building my own, and I've looked at a few blanks from Lami, etc. so any input you might have would be useful.
However my main question is: I know there are a few local rod builders that specialize in bank rods for sturgeon, but I can't seem to find any of them on the internet. Can any of you help me out with contact info for the good ones? I think I read an article in an issue of NW Steelheader a few months back about a guy, but I can't find the article.
Cheers,
L

OwyheeKIller · 12-23-2004, 03:47 AM

I talked with someone at Ollie Damon's and they can make you a custom built 14ft one piece Lamiglass for around $200. I just bought a used 14ft Lamiglass and it's by far the best casting rod I've ever used. Hope this helps. Ollie Damon's

glowball · 12-23-2004, 05:12 AM

Back when I was still a sturgeon bank rat I used a 15' lamiglas. It was awesome for whipping that bait way out there. My buddies all had the same rod except a couple used the 13'er. I think it was actually like 13'8" or something. Good rods though. Before I was able to buy the lami I used a 12' ugly stick. It put some fish on the bank as well.

Good luck
Kris

glowball · 12-23-2004, 05:14 AM

By the way we got our blanks and accessories from that place in Woodland.

Shark Bait · 12-23-2004, 05:57 AM

I have to agree with glowball on the 15' lami (especially since I bought both his bank rods from him here on ifish :grin

. It works wonderfully and with a Daiwa 50HSV you can really sling the bait out there. The 1102 Ugly Sticks are also a great lower cost alternative when you want to throw 16+ oz pyramids.

drano100 · 12-23-2004, 07:05 AM

14 or 15 foot lami had mine done at the happy hooker in fairview their is a place within 10 block of her that builds rods also good luck

fishtat · 12-23-2004, 08:28 AM

Check it. The Lamiglas glass rods come in a couple different specs. Their graphites are not rated the same. If you want glass, which I suggest for the $ for sure, here are my recommendations: If you're fishing the lower river, say from Kelly Point down or anywhere in the Willamette or the Channel, then fish a Lamiglas 4F. This rod is just shy of 14 feet, but we'll say 14 for all intents and purposes. This rod can throw 10 or lob 12 if need be, but functions best when loading 6 or 8. I don't throw anymore than 8 with mine. If you're fishing higher up in the system, chances are you'll need more lead. Here you would want a 5F. This rod is significantly stiffer but still has quick tip for loading. This rod will sufficiently load 10 and 12 ounces and can lob up to 16. You can find these rods pre-tied through Fisherman's, and well done, for 2 bills. By far the way to go unless you want some fancy wrapping. If you want to buy a store bought production rod, then the Shakespeare that was fore-mentioned is the only one to consider. I designed this rod in 1994 with Dan Burch and Shakespeare, by the way. PM me if you need more info.
Fishtat

fisheromen · 12-23-2004, 09:36 PM

Save the money and go with the 12' ugly stick. It's as much rod as you need for banking sturgeon. Rarely do you need to get it out there any farther than you can with that rod. Plus it's a two piece.

Herring Impaired · 12-24-2004, 01:32 PM

I can actually outcast my old 13-14' one piece rods with my Ugly Stick 2 piece 12'er. I now have three ugly sticks, and sold the one piece rods.

Course, now I rarely use those since I got a decent fishing boat!

HntnFsh · 12-24-2004, 09:06 PM

I agree about the Ugly Sticks.Been using them for years and seem to cast as good as any other poles I've seen.
Be sure to get the extra heavy.I liked the heavy but got the extra heavy and like it better

HotDawg · 12-24-2004, 10:40 PM

yup, ollie damons can hook you up for $225.work across the street and go chaeck,em out quite frequently.lami 1 piece rod with fuji guides.

PapaHog · 12-24-2004, 11:26 PM

12ft ugly stick has been all I need. Good rod for the money. Loads an 8 oz lead with ease. Can be carried in the car or back of pickup with out tying it on top.

bobofish · 12-25-2004, 09:21 PM

Gentlemen,
Your responses have been very helpful, and I appreciate them. However, I am really looking for something that is made, custom by a local. Not that I like spending more money, I just would like to support some of the locals who know their stuff. I think I've seen the Olly Damons rods, they're cool.
But there are some other guys around that make them to, anybody know of them?

johnykim · 12-25-2004, 09:48 PM

The best rod I've used is a 15' graphite lami....It's a GSB1321L with the 4' extension. However these will run you a few hundred dollars. Here's a link of someone who builds them. I've never had one built by this guy, but have heard good things.

http://www.ranslem.com/columbiaactio...biaaction.html

If you're interested in something that's a little less expensive, you could go with a lami fiber glass rod. The SB166-5F is the most popular. If you're interested, my uncle is trying to sell his custom made 5F for $150.

Tight Lines,
John