I am looking for some expert advice on Steelhead rods, and this looks like the place! I need a spinning rod for long distance casting 1/4 and 3/8 inch jig heads tipped with 3 to 5 inch plastics such as Fin-S minnows, Bass Assassins or Berkeley Power Grubs. So it's light weight with quite a bit of air resistance--not a good combination for long distance casting. But using heavier jigs makes it harder to work these jigs lightly along the bottom with the right action. Right now I'm using a 6 ft. Loomis maglight jig rod and a 7 ft. Bass Pro Shops Extreme. My feeling is that a longer rod would be better, and I see Lami has several steelhead rods & blanks in the 1/4 to ½ oz range that might be an improvement. I'm thinking something with a soft tip but fairly stiff butt and mid section. The description of many longer (8 to 10 ft) rods that are rated down to 1/4 sound more like noodle rods. I need something with enough backbone to put the ZIP on these light
jigs. Tod Vivian from Lami recommended one of their 7 ft 6 in "Drift & Drag" smallmouth bass rods, but I'm not familar with this technique or rod action.
Great board here! I am totally ignorant about Steelhead & Salmon fishing--but I am a Univ. of Washington grad, so GO HUSKIES!
Thanks,
Dave Gist
Norfolk, VA

[ 09-28-2001: Message edited by: Dave Gist ]

[ 09-28-2001: Message edited by: Dave Gist ]

[ 09-28-2001: Message edited by: Dave Gist ]

Dave I'd look at some Shimano products...I replaced my old workhorse Lami MH 8 1/2' baitcaster with the Convergence model in the same class and am really pleased especially with the price. Their spin models are probably the same quality and price. Also check out the Allstar rods. I gotta chance to fish their 1025c which is in the same class as my Lami and Shimano. Had way more backbone and sensitivity.

Cove RV Park & Tackle Prostaff(1)
Always FishOn!
Gooose

Do you mean 1/4 to 3/8oz jig weights? I use
marabou jigs made in these weights for steelhead bobber fishing. My rod is a 9 1/2 foot Lamiglas "Jig" rod. Consider their X96JS or X96LS. They come in two grades of line/stiffness. I can cast 1/4oz or lighter jigs, yet handle any steelhead and even chinooks.

Thanks for the inputs. Yes, I'm using 1/4 and 3/8 oz jig heads, but I put plastic grubs or Fin-S minnows on them, so the total weight is a little more and the air resistance goes way up. Probably not a lot different than OregonBankie's marabou jigs with a bobber. I will definately check out the rods you mentioned.
Thanks again.
Dave Gist