Daiwa Heartland-S Series Salmon and Steelhead Rod
Salmon Hot Shotting/Trolling Rod
Model# HL-S SS761HFB
Power-H
Act-F
LGH-7'6"
PCS-1
Line Wt(LBS)-10-25
Lure Wt(oz)-1/2-6
# of guides-9
[img]http://store1.yimg.com/I/tackle_1677_26268234[/img]

I'll be catching mostly avg to large size chum in pretty fast moving water W/ a ABU 5500 or 6500. Will this rod hold up ok????

Heres a link for the rod>>>>> http://tackledirect.com/salmonsteelhed.html

In my opinion, if you're going to be plug fishing, or maybe backbouncing out of a boat which I believe is what this particular rod is designed to do, then you should be fine. For drift fishing from the bank though, I personally would prefer a rod that is at least 8'6" in length, and designed for that purpose.

Thanx for the reply.....Anyone else have any input?

Thanx again.

You might want to look into one of the rainshadow blanks from TH custom rods (the TH961 or 965) if you are planning on pulling plugs. I now have four of them and I am very impressed with the performance. If there is any debris on my plug effecting the action of the plug, that rod tip will tell me. And they have the backbone to get the job done when that rod tip slams down.

I'll second 4-Salt's input...

Good plug rod, decent back bouncer, not long enough to be a casting rod. Needs to be longer to cast not for distance so much as needing at least 8 1/2 feet to take up the slack while drifting in order to set the hook.

Fish on...

Todd.

That rod would blow chunks as a drift rod. It's too short, not sensitive enough, and the action is way too fast for a drift rod. I'd get a 2-piece 9-10.5' rod for chumpkins. A GL3 1025 would be a good rod choice. The 1143 will work, too. A 1263 will put the hurt to any chumpkin out there, althogh that's a tad long for a drift rod, but perfect for flydoggin'.

Won't buy another graphite plugging rod. "Tests" have proven that fiberglass is the only way to go with plug steelhead plug rods.

Graphites seem to be ok for K-15 rods.

I guess my main question/concern is: Will it be strong enough to play a big fish?????

The rod will only be used once a year for a week or two so I just need a good strong rod.

Thanx and im glad I found this forum, ive learned alot so far from ya guys/gals

Thanx again

Strong enough?
line 10-25
lure 1/2-6
Yeah Id say you would have no problem with pullin doggies in with that broomstick. Although I would strongly heed the advice given above and go with a longer (9ft range) and more sensitive rod from(insert favorite brand here) for drift fishing from the bank.
Tight Lines
RL

Thanx for the input.....however all the rods suggested above are in a price range out of my reach. Im looking for something in the Under $100.00 range.

Thanx and are there any other cheaper option?

You can get a Northwest special from Lamiglas for about 85 bucks...sounds like you want some backbone so get the Medium variety.

Go to any internet search engine and type "Lamiglas" + "Norwest Special", you should find a link pretty easy to check it out. They are not "top of the line" but they are an excellent rod and I would recommend them to any fisherman, especially beginners or inexperienced fisherman.

Generally, the more experience you have the more you appreciate lighter weight rods. Please heed the advice above. The rod you pictured is designed specifically for pulling plugs. Part of fishing is being able to feel the bite, you will have a much harder time feeling a fish on your line with that rod.

I've been fishing for steelhead for about ten years now and I still have a hard time paying more than $100 for a rod. The Norwest special is the best value for the money in my opinion and gives you everything you need to hook and land fish.

My biggest thing is the rod will only be used once a year for 1 to 2weeks. Thats the reasson im looking for a cheap option.

Although I do want something that will work for me those 2weeks ayear.

Thanx and any more input is good.

I guess this will be the best way to find out what im looking for.

What stats should I look for when looking for a rod???

Power?
Act-?
LGH-?
PCS-?
Line Wt(LBS)-?
Lure Wt(oz)-?
# of guides-?

Thanx for all the help I get here.

Take a look at the Intrepid titanium,by shakespeare. Their an IM-7 graphite rod with decent feel and sesitivity. They come in 6-8 different actions, spinning and casting. It sounds like you want a Med weight rod, and they have one, 8'6", 8-17lb test. I used one last year for Silvers in the salt and it had plenty of power for the fish we caught, up to 15lbs. The tackle shops around the Seattle area have them for about $50.

Any thoughts on these?

http://www.thesportsauthority.com/produc...rentPage=family

or

Any rod on this page> http://tackledirect.com/salmonsteelhed.html

or
The SP30862H:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...arentId=cat2022 8

Thanx and I hope im not getting on peoples nerves for asking so many questions!!

Thanx

For the amount of use it will get, the first rod sounds like it will do you just fine, and leave you enough to fix yourself a lunch by thew river....good luck.

BTW...this is a casting rod, you will need a baitcasting reel to fishh properly. If you are more comfortable with a spinning reel you will need yto get a spinning rod. The main difference is the size of the eyes, spinning rods have much larger eyes to accomadate the line as it peels off the reel when you cast...

I have fished with my Bud's Intrepid and I wouldn't give .02 cents for that POS!!! One good rod that has not been mentioned here for around $70 - $80 is the Berkley Air IM7 Buzz Ramsey, it ia an 8'6" rod and comes in medium through extra heavy, take your pick. You might find Superfly's (the Allstar rod rep) profile and e mail address here and contact him, He had some sportsman's show demo models listed in the classifieds section that you might get a good deal on.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

The air Im7 is a great choice. By the way, if anyone locates a signature buzz ramsey Im7, I would be highly interested,(i have been searching all over)(spinning rod) I want the 9 foot version, or 9'6.
The norwest special is a good choice too.
For only 1 or 2 weeks use, I would shop ebay, for some of the names mentioned. Thcustomrods, also has demo models for sale.
All these poles will Probably"work" just depends on taste and quality.
The best choice for the price, I would have to say the Im7.(IMO)
Woodsy Wayne

Ok, looking at these stats what would ya say?

Shakespeare Intrepid Salmon/Steelhead Rod
Length:8'6"
Pieces:2
Action:H
Line wt:12-20
Lure wt:1/4-3/4

And I can't say enough......THANX!!!!!!!!

It will work, but it is just a bit heavy...

Thanx for all the info!!! I went ahead and ordered the SHAKESPEARE INTREPID SALMON/STEELHEAD ROD 8`6". The price was just right and if it doesnt work out I can always use the lodges rods, Thanx for all the help and time will tell if this rod works out!!