Ok...here goes....I am committing to just one rod for my steelheading and salmon fishing...
I am usually drifting bait in the Sky from the bank (need to meet more of you with driftboats!) and like to fish it year-round.
I probably make 75-100 casts per day and wrist fatigue is a factor, especially with my 10.5 lamiglas.
I do use my steelhead rods in downriggers (I know this is not recommended!) but want ideas from you with experience.
Factors: Sensitivity, Weight, all-round usage.
What are your thoughts?

1025 It can be used for anything. I've caught trout on it as well as 45lb. lings, kings, to dollies. It may be a bit short for floats but just keep your drift close to ya. The 9 1/2ft 6-12 is great too.

Why is it recommended not to use your steelhead rod in downriggers?

You can use Steelie rods! You just shouldent pre-load up a high modulas graphite rod in a downrigger! First time you do you will know if you have any nicks or deep scratches!

They can explode!!!!


Bob D

Go with the 1143. Long enough to use as a bobber rod with a quick tip and backbone to use as a drift rod. I have the 1143 in both casting (Loomis GL3) and spinning (TH Rainshadow). I use a Shimano Curado on the casting rod with 14 lb. PowerPro line and it is a perfect setup.

I have been using a 9'6 lami cerf. pro for 2 yrs now and love it. It's my main steelhead rod but i also used in the salt on kings and silvers. It has a good back bone and lite fast action tip. I belive it's rated at 6-15. It's not the rod you would want to pull hardware in the salt but besides that is great. I like so much i'm thinking about buying another for a back up. (as my loomis collects dust)

Hope this helps

Bill

I would go with the 1143....or the 1084..

I'm not capable of making such a decision! I'd feel lost and confused if I didn't have at least 2 rods with me at any one given time. Gotta have at least one drift and one float rod. Put me in a boat, and add to that a plug rod, a spinning rod......

The Kid is worse! People look at you funny when it's just two people floating down the river and there is at least a dozen rods in the drift boat!

Until you chop off one of my arms, I'll always pack in a 1143c and a 1263c.

BK....interesting. GL3 or IMX?
Fishslayer-Which Loomis is collecting dust??? Is Lami just as sensitive?

BK is right the 1025C is more of an all-around rod. It's heavy enough to fish straight 12 and I'm certain it could handle 15, and during the summer months when you back off to 10 and or 8 lb test, it's light enough to protect the line.

But as parker also said, it's difficult to just pick one rod. I love all the rods that have been spoken of. The 1084 is probably my close second favorite, I will actually fish this more during the summer, as I tend to lean more towards 8 lb test. The 1143 is just a little longer than my liking, I'd prefer to stay 9' at most. But if bobber fishing it tends to work a bit better.

Your in for a tough decision, and the true answer is to eventually have all 3...
Keith

I agree with a section of rods. I also have to have 2 rods at any givin time. On the boats or rocks. I also run a 10'6 lami cerf. pro (spinning) rod for floats and spinners. I have used it for drifting also which is nice. As for sensitivity i pefer the lami's. I have a gl2 as a back up. Price was not a issue when I made my purchases. I had in mind a gl3 when I bought the lami's. The guy at outdoor emp. could see I was not happy with what I was holding and showed me the others. Nice for long day's also due to ver light weight rods. That does make a difference while fishing 12-14 hours.

IMX, but DONT fall with one of these babies in your hand. Like BobD said, they will explode. The IMX gives you a very sharp fast action, so they aren't the best for hardware. But if its feeling the smallest of bites you want, its the rod for you.

I usually take two rods with me sometimes three
I have a 9'6" medium spinning , 8'6" med hvy cast, and 9' 8wt fly rod...All certified pro Lamiglas...If i could suggest on rod the 9'6" med spinn...Great rod for sensitvity, power, and casting ability outfitted with an Okuma Epix 30 reel its a great combo...I caught a lot of B-run steelhead on the Deschutes this year with this rod on 8# test..

One more thing Lamiglas is less expensive that Loomis

Great replies! Thanks for the info....However... I don't think I'm any closer to making up my mind. Nikkomutt brings up a valid point...Is Loomis 2.5X better than Lami?
That's the price difference between the Cert Pro 9.5 8-17 and a 1025 IMX.
Or do I continue to collect and think of inventive excuses for the Wife?

1025 Don't let these guys blow smoke up your A$$!!!

The 1143 is an all around better choice!!I use mine from kings to steelies without a problem!!As I have said before I landed a 42lb. king on mine without a problem.

Go take a look at the butt size of a 1025 and 1143 and it speaks for itself.sensitivity and back bone...

Buttsize? I use that term for describing women not rods. A 1025 can and has landed several fish in 40lb class. The 1143 is a great rod as well. I just don't need the extra length like some. :p Its all a matter of opinion. The 1025 is Med-Heavy and rated for higher test.

I dont know, I have two 1084c's one in IMX and one in rainshadow. Ive landed 45# kings on them and they handle em just fine. It may be bent to the real seat but its done the job in a timely manor. I have notticed that I would like a little more backbone. Somtimes I get a little scared that the dam thing is gonna explode as I push it to the limit every time. Id rather break a fish off because I put the meat to it rather than loose a fish because I babyed it too much. I like the 1084 because it has an extra 6" it gives you the best of both worlds floats and drift gear. Fishes both well. But I do have worries about its backbone when I have bigger fish on in higher flows.

BK- Then I guess you don't know much about rods!!!

I guess not Timber. Maybe you could teach me the finer points in perfect rod selection! lol

You kids nowadays think you know every phuckin thing !!

I have fished both the rods you have mentioned. I no longer have the 1084C IMX. The 1143 is good all around rod for most steelhead fishing techniques. Ive caught everything from bottom fish to big chinook with this rod. Its a sweet float rod,bottom bounces great. And in a pinch it pulls plugs decent.

GLoomis came out with a new rod this year that works great for drift fishing, hardware throwing, and float fishing (I use it for all the above - including tolling).
Supposedly, they advertised it wrong and asked about $100 less than they meant (when I saw the price, I actually called them and asked what the deal was...). It is a GL3 for the price of a GL2 (until they print the new catalog).
If you like spin fishing and using 8lb line, then this is perfect - very sensative, long enough for floats, but not too long for hardware, handles summer runs like a dream, and bends all the way into the handle when a 20lb fish is on. I've caught summer and winter runs, pinks, coho and kings with it - but to be honest, I plan on finding a heavier salmon rod...
Here's the specs from the 2001 catalog:
STR1173S-SK Length: 9'9" Power: 3 Pieces: 2 Spinning NEW
Here's a Great Lakes steelhead rod, specially designed to fish the brush-lined streams and rivers of the upper Midwest. It has a Skamania Style handle, which is a fancy way of saying its foregrip is long and its rear grip short. Why? For added leverage and line control, especially with slip-bobber rigs and light splitshot dropper rigs. Because the center of balance is back behind the angler's hand, the reel acts like a counter balance when lifting the rod tip. The extra length also gives you better control, especially with longer leaders.



GL3
5.30
28
6 - 12
3/8 - 3/4
Fast
Medium
$185.00

A 1025 has a 5 power rating in fast action with a med-hvy tip!
An 1143 is power rated at a 4 with a med tip and mod-fast action!

Pretty easy to see which rod is more powerful dont ya think? I have both and love my 1143 the best but I wont pull it out on the Duc in late Oct. It has no were near the power of the 1025! Also butt diameter has nothing to do with anything except normally longer rods have thicker butts even when there actions are lighter! My 981's have the same butt dia as my 1143 but 20 times the power! This info is right out of the cat. so my age has nothing to do with it!

Not knocking anybody just clarifying things so the original poster dosent get too confused!

If your a primary bankie Id go with the more powerful rod!

Bob D

Thank you BobD! I think you just spelled it out for the Timber faller.

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: BK ]

When I was rod shopping,I liked both rods.
I chose the 1143#
I guess I wanted the extra 6",I love this rod,
IMHO I think it is the best all-around rod for steelhead.

I have a question?
what is this crap with guys putting braided lines on float rods????????
I understand all the benifits,I just don't understand the reasoning......there is a time a place to use braids......fish jig and floats ain't it.
what happend to.......the sportof it .....My .02..........Os

Its not logger bk broiler its Timber faller..and yes there is a difference..

Allstars Man !!!!!!!!!!
They make all the rods. The 1025,1263,1265,1084 you name it they make it!!!!!!!
Also at about 1/2 or more off of the retail price of a GL-3, with a lifetime warranty.
See your local dealer.
Peace Superfly

I am no rod expert or fishing expert, and I dont own a 1084, however I do own a 1025 and love it . I really like how the new ones have the extended blank in the rod seat for more sensitivity, but it does make your fingers cold in the morning. I have caught Kings, Silvers, Chums, Steelhead, Dollies, and even the occasional cutthroat trout with no problems. I have fished all techniques with this rod(drift, spinners, floats, plugs), it can be a little tough with floats when your casting a long ways but I have been able to manage.

Just some input from a 17 year old kid

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: catcher1 ]

There is an old boy that fishes ths Sol Duc hard when the fish are running.He makes his own spinners,I mean the blades everything.He gave me a sliding sinker set up made out of a snapswivle with a piece of wire insulation cramed in the eye.He uses the cheapist line,a pole he bought at a garage sale and old Garcia.he is the nicest person I have ever met up there.I have never ran into him when he didn't have a fish or catch a fish.He needs to read this.