i've really gotten into bobber fishing with spinning rods in the last year, i've got several bobber rods, but i've found a new one i think i have to have, so i've told my wife. what i'm looking at is a g-loomis str 1173s-sk, it's 9'9" medium, 6-12lb, in a GL3, i'm curious as to weather anyone has one of these rods or has tried one, and what they thought of it. thanks in advance for your advice.

seems a bit short....I got a Lami 10'6" Certified Pro 8 -12 for $136. Great rod for drifting eggs with a split shot or floating a bobber....

You might think about a str 1261 GL3 which is 10 1/2 feet long and should be light enough for your needs. Try calling Greg's custom rods in Lake Stevens for some less expensive alternatives like a Rainshadow blank.

Beezer

[ 10-25-2001: Message edited by: Beezer ]

If money is not issue go with the loomis, I personally beleive they are the best and that's for there whole line of rods. But I would recommend considering a Rogue Rod. They're coming out with an assortment of rods that are being built by the loomis's under a different name. After Gary sold Loomis to shimano, his nephew and another guy by the name of Vern Dollar have started the Rogue Rods. I'm not sure if they have a catolog yet but I know they're in mass production of the rods. We had fished one of the bobber rods a few weeks back on the quinalt for chinook and I was impressed, extremely impressed.
Keith

keith,
i don't know if you saw my previous post, but i asked about those rods earlier in the week, yes they do have a catolog, i just picked one up on monday. there is a whole selection of them in a sporting goods store up here. I was really interested in them. they had one bobber rod that i did like, but they didn't have a full selection of them. and the bobber rod they did have was only a 9ft rod, and i already have a couple 9fters. I might go and take a second look at them, but i really liked the feel of the loomis i picked up, and once i pick up a rod that feels just right it is hard to sway my decision, but i will look at those rods again. thanks for the info!

Chum,
You've got a good feel my friend.. I feel the same way when I pick up a loomis, it just does something funny to you! There's no doubt in my mind Loomis's are second to none. You will love the 1173, my buddy james has one and it's an awesome rod as well as Loomis's whole line of rods. I've never tried the 1271 like beezer suggested, I for some reason just don't like rods that are over 9'6". No matter the type of rod they just lose sensetivity once you get longer than that, they start to feel like a rubberband. But a 10'6" rod does have it's advantages if you are a diehard bobber dude, being able to mend line like you're flatlining off a 15 foot cliff. I'd rather driftfish with a 9 footer though my 1084 is my favorite, they're long enough to feel everything and short enough to flat bury the hook when needed, and protect line just fine.
Keith
Keith

[ 10-24-2001: Message edited by: stlhdr1 ]

keith, i couldn't agree with you more, i've tried several 10' plus rods, and i have a hard time with them,now i'm not bashing 10'+ rods i just can't get used to them, i also realize when bobber fishing you don't need a sensitive rod but, i like to throw spinners and spoons, and just plain eggs with no weight also, so the sesitivity is still an issue.
on another note, this rod has a very short handel on the end, my dad has a lamiglass rod with the same style of handle and added a small section to the end, which makes it perfect! if i end up getting this rod, i will probably do the same thing.

we have built a few.. It is almost the same blank as the 1143.. except for the handle kit.. we have actually put a few of those handle kits (10" fore cork, 5" rear cork) on the 1143 and they fish really well.
In my opinion, I wouldn't spend the money on the Loomis, I'd buy a Rainshadow.... there are a few board members that you could ask...... the'd say the same thing.. I have yet to find someone that disagrees..

TH www.thcustomrods.com

[ 10-24-2001: Message edited by: TH ]

I'll never buy another Loomis again when there's an Allstar Elite out there. 1263c 10.5' Allstar Elite float rod. All the perfomance of a GL3 at a fraction of the cost.

Regardless, don't get anything below 10.5'. You'll be making a big mistake and will regret it later.

Parker

Hey I just caught this link, and I reallllly don't want to sound stupid, but, what is different about a 'bobber rod' verses a fly rod or casting rod? I just have not heard of one before. Thanks.

let me clarify a little more here, a lot of people are saying i'll be sorry if i don't buy a longer rod, so i'll elaborate a little more here. i already have a 10 1/2' rod, it's not a very good one but i do have one, so i don't really want another one because i don't use the one i have. the main river i fish is a pretty small river and the holes i fish aren't real big so i'm not to worried about not haveing a long enough rod to keep line off the water. i guess what i was really looking for was people who had or have fished with the rod and what they thought of it, ie: how sensitive it was, how it handeled the fish, etc..., but thank you to everyone else for giving there opinions, and i will keep them in mind if (or should i say when) i decide to take a leep into a quality double digit rod!

thomas jacobs, sorry i forgot to reply to you, so i'll reply to ya now. there isn't really anything different about a bobber rod, it's just a technique of fishing that has become increasingly popular. normally when people describe a bobber rod they are farily long in length, this has a lot to do with keeping your line off the water. other than that they are really no different than a standard salmon/steelhead casting rod. hope this clears things up for ya.

TH is right! The Rainshadows are an excellent rod! I have 3 of them and would put them up against Loomis any day.

Rainshadow all the way. I have a 1141 and a 1084 You get all that a GL-3 can offer and more. Ive even put it next to the IMX and cant tell the difference is sensitivity. One thing I can say is that the Rainshadow rods are tuff. Ive beat the hell out of my 1084.

I wish they made a 1143 blank.

Do you guys find a big difference between Rainshadow and Loomis rods of supposedly the same power rating? I looked at a couple the other day at R&R Marine, I think they were both 1084's, one was Rainshodow, one was Loomis, the Loomis seemed heavier, less sensitive, but more powerful... like it should have been rated a 1085 not a 1084... anyone done any head to head comparisons?

-N.

[ 10-24-2001: Message edited by: StorminN ]

I have a 1173, and I like it just fine with the exception of the short back handle. The SK or Skamania series rods were designed to be Michigan style grip, which would be the equivalent of choking up on a bat, your hand above the reel, if that is your preference. You could extend the rear handle or put on a counter balance in back to overcome the tip heavy feel I get with a Shimano Spirex 2000 attached. I have fished some of the Allstar rods and they are excellent, although I didn't fish one with comparable specs. The 1173 has good sensitivity and plenty of back bone to turn a large fish if neccisary, due to the nature of the stiffness of the GL3 graphite. I know, I've had to do it. Yet it does have a light enough tip to "circle" or flip cast a small spoon or spinner in tight situations, where long rods could prove problematic. If cost is a consideration, I would go with the Rain Shadow, If not and you prefer a Blue Lable manufacturer, the Loomis is a good choice.

Hmm, these Rainshadow rods sound interesting. Where can I get more info on them, and who carries them?

D&E Rods (One of Loomis's few blank distributors now) custom built a buch of rods on Loomis blanks.

Rods built included STR and SAR 1265 built with the BC Mooching handles, 1143's built up as spin rods and a couple of the SK style rods such as the 1085 and I believe the 1173 built with standard spind handles. Call around and you might be able to find one.

Hey Rich, Rainshadow does make a 1143 now.. I bugged them enough last summer, that they developed one.... I received samples earlier this fall and should receive a large shippment of them (1143) in early Nov.
It is identical to the GL3 1143....
we also carry the ful line of Raishadow blanks...
Rich you need an 1143 to match the other two we have built for you...

Lets talk more aboutthe 8wt fly rod...
NICE COHO.........

TH
www.thcustomrods.com

[ 10-25-2001: Message edited by: TH ]

O.K. Here I go again, I feel foolish, I know about 'bobber' fishing from being a kid, are you referring to a different method? If so where can I get more information on this. I am always eager to learn an alternative way of fishing, especially if they are not biting on what I am doing!

The "Rainshadow" site is batsonenterprises.com or toll free 877-875-2381. All of the Salmon/Steelhead blanks, as well as the Float/Bobber rod blanks are listed.

thomas jacobs, what you need to do is go down to your local sporting goods store, i'm not from down there so i can't direct you where to go, but go in and ask them to show you how to rig up for bobber fishing for salmon/steelhead fishing. besides this will give you and excuse to go buy some more fishing tackle. there are several different bobber techniques using a bobber. ask them to show them to you. good luck

1084 Rainshadow vs loomis.

I have one of each. Between the two I have only seen one difference. The rainshadow seems like it can take more abuse. Sensitivity is about the same. I cant tell the difference. The feel is a little different but the sensitivity is the same. The rainshadow has a more solid feel and the loomis feel a little more hollow like it has an echo.

I think the rainshadow can handle a little bigger fish with ease. but the line rateing is the same. You feel like you can put the meat to them a little more with the Rainshadow. the sensitivity is the same but it seems it it transfered a little different. Honestly I like it better than my IMX. I would tell anybody not to waste your money on loomis when you can get a rianshadow at half the price.

My Rainshadow has caught 45Lb Kings, 20+ silvers and some nice steelies but not a 20# yet. and it works good for all of them. I float fish it, drift fish it, and throw spoons and spinners with it. Try one and you will never go back to loomis.

hey, i'm sure this question has already been asked but, i'm going to ask it again. i would like to FEEL one of these rod's, i live in bellingham, where would be the closest dealer, where i could get my hands on one of these rods. i would like to give one of these rods a shake, and see how they feel! thanks for your help

chumsalmon, what model are you looking for?
Let me know, we'll work something out...
It'll have to be threw the mail though. Rainshadow does not build rods.. just blanks!

TH
www.thcustomrods.com

TH, i just sent you an email, regarding the price of a 1084 rainshadow blank. if it's not to expensive i may buy one from you in the next month or two, for a winter time project. never built a rod yet, but couple guys i work with, and my dad have built quite a few rods, so i'm thinking what the heck, might be a good winter time project. also, what rainshadow blank would be as close as possible to the rod i originally started this post about, the loomis 1173, curious as to how much that blank would cost, too. if prices are resonable, i may end up building two rods this winter! of course this will all have to be passed through my wife first!

TH or current Rainshadow Owners........what color(s) are the Rainshadow Blanks available in?
Thanks.........

Goaty, the blanks are the matte gray finish, just like the IMX series from Loomis...

TH
www.thcustomrods.com
541-396-4895 (H)
541-290-9995 (Cell)

As TH has said, the Salmon/Steelhead rod blanks are matte clear. We use a clear coat with a flattener added. So the finish is matte gray, that is transparent.
A few times a year we do them in transparent dark green for an OEM customer, and will keep the over runs for our custom rod builders. But on a day to day basis, they are matte gray.

Chumsalmon, call Greg at Greg's Custom Rods in Lake Stevens. He carries Rainshadows and also teaches a rod building class periodically. You could kill two birds with one stone and take his class and build your own custom Rainshadow. Greg’s number is 425 335 1391. Should only be a 45 minute commute for you.

Beezer

thanks breezer, i'll keep that in mind, i've written down the phone humber. my give them a call, might stop by there the next time i'm down that way. thanks for all the help guys! never thought i'd get this much information!

RainShadow rods are awsome rods. I have got 3 rods now and one more in the mail anyday. ALL from TH. he does great work and has been a great help in finding what I want in a rod. I have also ordered rods from him for friends and they are all very happy.

check out the RainShadow!!!!


dc

Those Berkley IM7 Buzz Ramsey rods have come out with a new Lightning Rod version that has unvarnished black IM7 graphite blanks like the Loomis do. They are improved and one great deal at still only $80.

Reading what all of you guys have said makes me think I need to go spend some (more) money! The wife just doesn't understand that I "need" ANOTHER fishing rod

Just don't spend it on the overpriced loomis rods! They are good but not much if any better than the better Lamis and All Stars and Rainshawdows which all cost a lot less. You are paying for a huge advertising budget when you buy a Loomis.