Looking for help in finding a float rod to be used with a level-wind reel 11-12 feet long, with a soft tip but good back bone. I will be using this to fish for nates. Any info is appreciated.

Hi Nate: You might want to take a look at the Sage GSH 3113 mb rod.Length is 11'3", I found it an excellent blank for light to medium float fishing.I casts well with 1/2oz to 1 oz weights, has a sensative tip with enough backbone for quick solid hook sets and a butt section suitable for steelhead,coho, and smaller chinook. I would call it a rod for fish to 20 lb. I`m not sure about the US price of the blank but I think its about 140$.
coot

Thanks Coot. Is this a blank or a finished rod, also where would I find it ?

G.Loomis makes a 12 footer that's rated 8-17 that's a great rod but has been discontinued for 2002 but is still available at a few shops. It's a sweet stick for winter runs.

Thanks Jigman, any idea what it sells for, or what shops might still carry it?

I can verify the excellence of the older Loomis 12' It was originally designed for IM6 and was an awsome blank slightly heavier than the Sage mbr The Loomis had a .650butt diameter and a finefirm tip. It was excellent for chinook to about 30 lb. I still have mine and its about 15 years old now but going strong.
coot

You might try Auburn sports and Marine, they may have one or be able to get one. Talk to Jeff if you can. I'm just guessing on the price but somewhere around $270?

Nat Coot is right about the 11'4" sage I have caught large fish on mine wile float fishing.

Another option that is a lot cheaper than the Sage and Loomis rods is one of the Fenwicks, they make a few rods 11.6. For the money, IMO, you can't beat a Fenwick.

I also own a Shimano Convergence that I fish with a big 'pin. Its a good CHEAP rod...throw it in the back of the truck etc.

If money isn't a problem than look into a Sage 3106 (little heavier action than the 3113). I fish mine with a levelwind and its a great rod as well, albeit over priced.

Hi Nate: Just to avoid confusion ,each manufacturer seems to have a different system of designating the character of their rods. Sage uses a graphite modulus designation of GSH 3 for high. GSH 2 for lower modulus. High modulus means a snappier action. Then they give the length 113 meaning 11'3" or 106 meaning 10'6" This is followed by a designation mbr meaning medium weight bait action or lbr light bait rod.
I think they also have a heavy bait rod as well.
Loomis used to give tip diameter in 1/64" and a butt diameter plus a material designator GL1, 2, or 3 or IMX, or IM6
It would be nice if they got together and developed a system like the AFTMA system for flyline weights that all manufacturers could use
coot

Hey Beek. Can you tell me anymore about the Fenwicks? Like where to look for them? Also does anyone else know anything about the Shimano Convergance rods?

Nate,

The Fenwick rods I've fished are the HMX series. They retail, according to their website, for 100$ US.
I went to their site, fenwickfishing.com and it doesnt look like they carry one of the HMX rods in a casting model over 9'. I know they use to carry them up to 12', so who knows. If you can find a used one they are great rods, especially for the price.

The Convergence is an ulta cheap rod (I paid 89$ CDN!)that a lot of guys I fish with use as a backup rod.A lot of really good anglers I fish with use them, and the price is unbeatable.You aren't getting a rod as sensitive as a Loomis/Sage and the cork is as cheap as it comes, but I love mine. As for where to find them I'd look on their website and do a dealer search.
G/L

Old Nate, might want to check out a Cabela's Fish Eagle II. They make a 10'er in 8-15 test (med.) also a 10-20 test (med-hvy.) made spinning or casting style. They are made on im-6 blanks,run $79.99 (1-800-237-4444) I used one quite a bit on fall salmon with drift-gear and spinners. Not as a float-rod, thou I did talk with a fellow lately using the same rod with bobber & jigs. Took some 25+ kings and big silvers with it and didn't feel out-gunned. Match it up with a Shimano Curado loaded with some fireline or power pro and a mono leader, and "somebody stop me!!!" yer a KILLER>

Try an allstar 1262 or 1263, less than 1/2 the money of a loomis with the same lifetime guarentee.
Or have someone Like TH custom rods build you one.
Peace Superfly

Have you looked at the Cabelas Fish Eagle II Rods? They are an IM6+ blank, dark green in color, beautiful, and carry an excellent guarantee for less than a 100 dollars. They are one heck of a rod for the money. They are likely back-ordered seems everyone wants them these days, may take a few wks to get one. I have a 10 footer and absolutely love it! Good luck!

RM

Might try a G.LOOMIS STR1265C GL2,it's a 10'6",rater 10# to20# med heavy and cost $185.00.I've used 6 of these the last 7 years in my guide service as down rigger rods ,my customers love them, for steelhead as small as 5# to kings to 56#+. Up in B.c. they use a lot of these as bobber rods....