This past winter I upgraded my rod and decided, maybe wrongly, on a Loomis GL2 STR1265C (10.5').

Most of my fishing with this rod will be casting from the beach (salt) with salmon or steelhead set-ups, using an Abu C-4 5601 reel.

What has me questioning my purchase is: I think I read on a couple different posts now that the newer loomis rods are not as good as they use to be. Did I make the wrong decision? I had not discovered this site then, but did talk with both Ted's in Lynwood and John's in Everett bofore making the purchase.

Let me know what you think. I am also thinking about another L hand casting reel and would appreciate recommendations in (almost) all price ranges.

I think you did fine buying that rod, especially for beach fishing [bobber and herring being my favorite].

I'll second what Jerry said! Even if Loomis rods aren't what they used to be, they're still a damn sight better than most other rods are now!

You've already purchased your rod. Do you really want to know what we think? If so, ok, here's what I think.

I think for the price you paid for that Loomis GL2, you could have purchased an Allstar Elite 1265c. The Allstar Elite line of rods is on par with a new Loomis GL3. Not the end-all-be-all of a high end rod, but certainly better than the GL2.

But...

There's certainly nothing wrong with a GL2 1265 either. You don't need the sensitivity of a GL3 (and cost) for beach fishing...at least I don't think you do.

Allstar offers a lifetime warranty, where Loomis will rake you over the coals on a warranty issue. I've heard of quality control issues for both companies.

Personally, I would have pushed you towards Allstar, but oh well, woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I upgraded 3 of my rods to the Allstar IMX series. Quality sucks on those rods for the price..even if I only did pay half price. Not like the IMX of old. Even my older GL3's were of higher quality than my new IMX's.

Oh well.

The new loomis have a silver guide while the older ones have black guides. The problem with the new ones is that the guides tend to rust. The older ones have a black coating that protects the guide from corroding. One advantage to the newer models is that the entire blank is covered with epoxy which protects the rod much better than the older versions.

Hey - I appreciate the feedback as it will better prepare me for my next purchase! (now that I'm fully addicted)

Now - Is the new left handed Shimano baitcasting reels ($350) really worth saving up for, or should I look to Garcia for the Salt? What about Diawa Millionaire's CVZ series?

I may be rehasshing an old issue here, but I don't remember specific discussion about the saltwater series Calcutta (CTE401?) Is it worth the extra $$$?

Jerry Garcia -
Bobber/Herring is a blast and I am really looking forward to trying it with this new, longer, rod.

After reading the thread about PP, etc., I think I may give it a try with a that as my main line and then a mono leader! Can't Wait!

The Garica Ambassadeurs are true work horses! I'd recommend the C3 or C4 6500s.

do you guys use herring fillets or do you cut it at a angle when bobber fishing and perhaps could you point me to a few areas that you fish bobber/herring, im normally a freshwater fisher but however before the pt. defiance boat dock tore down the sidewalk that ran jus along the side of the building, we would go down there at night a hook some nice fish near the herring pen, but would hardly land them...

BERKLYBOY - I either use a cut plug herring, or a whole herring with a bend in it, so it get's that good rotation in the water under your bobber. I find Whole herring hold up better to repeated casting. I have not spent a lot of time doing this, but it is fun and plan to do more of it this year.

I am not familure with South Sound beach fishing locations, but you could drive up to Point Wilson @ Port Townsend, or Marrowstone Island, across the bay from PT. (good camping at both State parks) On Whidbey, Keystone and Possession Point @ the bait store are your best bets.

Good Luck - this should be a good year to learn.

Jeff, you can find me at Ft. Casey most every weekend during August and September. I used to fish Bush north of the old rail launch about a 1/2 mile or so, but parking and access became such a problem that I just fish Casey now.

Jerry-
I look forward to seeing you there this summer. I usually go out towards the point at Bush, but suspect I will get crowded out this year with the Pink Salmon run headed our way.

I fished Ft. Casey two or three times last year. Great fishing and a great view! I guess I better buy my State Parking Pass this year in order to ovoid the $5/trip fee! Is there a free lot with access to Casey?

No, you can park out on the road across from the ferry line and walk through the campground and along the beach to the point. It's a long walk sometimes.

Ok. I am familure with that spot. Last year I parked inside the campground near the beach. That was nice, but....

What month would you expect the summer run of steelhead to hit it's peak on the West side of Whidbey?

Also, keep your eye out on in July. Last year I caught 2 nice Sockeye on the West side of Whidbey! Yum!

You should be seeing some summerruns now. We had to fight to keep a July fishery[got 1/2 the month] during the North of Falcon process as the boat guys[charter] wanted expanded blackmouth opportunity in April and were seeking to trade the July fishery. Two years ago the July coho fishery was HOT, caught 10 [released 8] coho July 1st.

Jerry Garcia-
Thanks for the information and for putting up a fight for the July fishery!

I don't however, understand the Charter crowd's logic in wanting to trade 1/2 of a July Coho/Pink fishery, for Chinook in April. That doesn't make sense to me, but maybe I am missing something.

Is there talk of allowing an area 9 hatchery chinook season like the straights? That would be very popular and a blast with a bobber and herring!

So - 10 Coho on July 1st! Do you think the aggressive biting Pinks (this was 2 years ago?) had a lot to do with that, because last summer I didn't see many Coho landed at Bush until after August 1.

Thanks again for representing us at the NOF process.

You aught to swing by Bush this summer for a day of fishing. It would save you 20 miles and a long walk!

Speaking of new Loomis rods, I saw this mentioned in another post a few months ago about a new 13'4" IMX float rod. Does anybody have any info if and when this rod will become available? I'm curious as to see how the action will compare to the 13 footer.

Check with Jigman as he seems to be a Loomis "try this rod and see if you like it" Here is a link to that discussion


http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011183#000007

jerry or todd, say when the fish are off the beaches, maybe we could hook up and do some bobber/herring fishing? i wanna try this again, in the daylight, it was hard to do at night and especially hiding from the park police who spot light the pt. defiance at night..jus drop me a line whenever you got anytime to go, im free every weekend...

I'll let you know, but you'll have to come to Whidbey.