I've recently been working with G.Loomis on some new float rod designs that are going to be coming out this fall/winter along with a number of other new Steelhead/Salmon rods. We've narrowed it down to 4 rods that will be offered in both casting and spinning. It looks like they are going to be a 10 1/2 foot and an 11 foot (not sure on the line ratings yet), an 11'4" which is probably going to be a 6-12 lbs. rod and a 12 footer which is either going to be 8-12 or 8-17 lbs rating. I'm looking at materials (GL2, GL3, etc.), handles, line ratings, actions, guides etc. and would like some input from the float fisherman on this site. Thanks.

I would like a 10.5 foot from 6 - 10 lb test and an 11' at 8 - 12 lb test. If possible a counter balance weight at the butt of the rod would be very nice.

I'd love to see an 1142S - 9'6" - 6-10 lb. test rating. Right in between the 1141 and 1143.

Mike

The 11'4" 6-12 sounds very nice. Any ideas what the pricing will look like?

I consider my Lamiglas 10.5 foot Cert. Pro for 6-10 to be the perfect length/action for combination float and hardware fishing for steelhead. The light action makes an 8 pound steelhead a thrill to fight. If most of my fish were 10 pounds or more, I'd want a heavier action, but here in Oregon, most steelies are under 10 pounds. I might prefer a slightly faster rod than the Cert. Pro.

Jacob beat me to it...counterbalance is a must.

Already done, Check out the 1263, 1264, 1265 and 1322 allstars and Rainshadows.
Peace Superfly

Man! Ya just knew that was coming.... :p

There will be an 1143 spinning rod available soon, though I don't think we'll see an 1142. As for counter balancing the rods that is still being discussed. Here's where we're at as of last night:
STR1262.....10 1/2 foot, 6-10lbs line
STR1321.....11 foot, 4-10lbs line
STR1363.....11'4", 6-12lbs line
STR1445.....12 foot, 8-17lbs line

I would really like the 12 footer, I fish my 1363 10-20 all the time, why did they stop making the 1363? Oh yeah, Friends don't let friends fish allstars. Everybody and their dog knows how 'Fly feels about the rods and hooks that he sells, so do we have to hear about it everytime somebody mentions a rod or hook they like[ and they BUY not SELL] it just becomes so boring to hear it over and over and over and over and over. I can say that I will not buy [or even demo] an allstar because of the constant prostitution of the product. If the product is good and a good value it would sell itself. So let me tell you how I feel about this.....

Ahmen brother....

Back to the matter at hand - I think Loomis could sell more 1143s if they started making it in a stock spinning model across all grades. I had one made a couple years ago by a rodmaker from this board and I still prefer it 90% when fishing floats/jigs.

I have the 10.5' casting rod (don't remember the model number) that seems plenty to keep the line off the water in anything but the most heroic long distance drifts but the only time it comes out is in heavier/lower visibility flows when I'm not as worried about having extra shot or lead on the presentation. I might be singing a different tune if I salmon fished more often with floats. It just seems jigs/floats are most effective for steelhead under low/slow/clear conditions. At least that's when I've had my best luck with them.

B

Bruce, you will see the 1143 in a spinning rod later this year and in possibly a couple more materials in the casting version. I'm sure we are going to get an IMX version and possibly a GL2 version. Nothing is set in stone yet, only thing I know for sure is there are going to be alot more Steelhead/Salmon rods to chose from.

Quality guides, straight alignment, ???? Just a couple thoughts.

TH

Another general comment...When I bought my 1084 IMX, the catalog and website showed an exposed-blank reelseat. When I got it, it was cork. I really liked the idea of exposed blank and when I followed up, it was kind of like 'TS-that's how we build them now'.
I know this may seem insignificant but the rod I got was different than that indicated in the catalog and website.
I'll sit down now.

What ever dude, I am sure there are many other people on here that sell many products that if you were disscussing something that they bought or sold you would get the same thing.
We could go on about this forever, But Loomis being the big guy that are you think they would have already had this licked.
My 2 cents worth, even though every time I post on here about a product I get Jumped.
See ya on the river
Peace Superfly

I already have a number of float rod ,including a Sage 10'6" lbr,a Sage 11'3"mbr a Loomis 10'6" 15 to 30lb and Loomis IM6 12' 10 to 25lb.
In my experience a good float rod should be a minimum of 11' to hold all line off the water.
It should have a capability of casting weight to 1 1/2oz and to handle line loads to 25 lb
Such a rod would be adequate for all steelhead and most salmon fishing.
Loomis should consider reactivating their older model 12' IM6 which has a very sensative tip and a good solid butt with a fine overall ability to fish either baitcast reels or centerpins.

Good to hear from you Coot. Always interesting to hear what you Canuks have to say about float fishing. One to one and a half oz? You mooching or drift fishing?

Your quiver of Sage rods is something to covet. Speaking of Sage, anyone else hearing the rumors of Sage reintroducing a line of drift rods? Talk about coveting...

B

Geez,
I don't know what the problem is with someone putting up comments about their business related to fishing, if you don't like it, browse over it...simple right.
I personally enjoy reading and watching different comments.
I am sure all the rod brands mentioned are of high quality, I have heard good things about all!

Last time I looked this was a fishing bb, the whiners here should just keep comments to themselves...IMO

I personally don't use loomis, but that does not mean I may not in the future, I don't use allstar either,so what!!, same story, I did order a rod, from one maker who comments here often too...once again...so what!

Good topic jigman,I will be looking forward to info on the spinning versions.

If you dont like my post ignore it...simple right?

Woodsy Wayne

I'd be interested in a STR1363.....11'4", 6-12lbs line but I'm sure the price will scare me away,I just don't beleive spending 300 bucks on float rod will improve my catch ratio......now drift fishing....Oh Ya love my GL-3 1143

Coot nice mooching rod

I also noticed the same reel seat dilema on 1084 IMX.......Os

to be honest i would like to see better guides from loomis, maybe the old wiebe wood insert handles,aluminum instead of plastic reel seats i dunno. I dont understand how they manage to say they have a lifetime warranty against breakage?because i have or had a 1261 that broke and i sent it in and they sent me a 1263. if they discontinue selling models of there rods dont they void there own warranty? And now i am sol with a rod i dont want..