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