Ok, so after going stir crazy, I managed to sneak back down the NF Lewis for another round of May Madness. This time, it was just Stlhdr1 and I for the afternoon, and Tony Dunnington hooked up with us for the evening bite.

We were on the water by 11:30 am (why get up so early?) and the report from the few boats in the Meat Hole was low numbers. We talked to Giz who told us the fish checker had only checked 12 fish for the morning. Clancey's boat only had 1 fish. Not too many boats on the river, too. A few, but quite a difference from the last time I was down there. I guess people are starting to realize that the season is winding down and it makes for some tough fishing.

We sneaked up above the Hatchery Hole and back bounced a nice little slot that is always productive. After playing hit-n-miss with a few fish, I managed to hit a nice 21-22 pound mean buck that just put up a good fight. I honestly thought I had snagged it in the belly, as I just couldn't get it to move with a Allstar Titanium 1025 (I'll review these rods). I was surprised to see it had swallowed the bait, not snagged, and was just kicking my butt. The fish was darkest fish we've seen out of the Lewis so far. Starting to get that copper color. The photo seems way dark to me. It wasn't *that* dark...



Stlhdr1 picked up the next fish downriver a ways. Nothing to eventful about this fish. He did redeem himself by picking up another super-chrome summer run shortly after.



We picked Tony up about 4:30 and were fishing again by 5:00 or so. We hit another 3 fish up in the flats and called it a night.

In all, we boated 5 springers, 1 jack, and 1 summer run. Not hot numbes, but better than expected.

Oh yeah, all fish were picked up on eggs and more what-nots. Most were backbounced up, but a couple were encouraged to bite by using a jet diver in the slower water. I just love watching a fish chew on a bait of eggs while using a jet diver. Some fun stuff. Got some video of us fighting fish, but no hooksets or take downs.

If you are wondering, the summer runs are not there yet. A few boats were pounding the ususal slots with minimal success. It's gonna be another month or so before the real run comes in.

The springers are winding down. They are pretty wise to baits now, and getting them in good numbers is getting increasingly difficult. Most boats didn't have a fish.

I had the opportunity to test out the prototype Allstar Titanium 1141s and 1025c. I was really hoping that they would be a competitor to the Loomis IMX rods, but they are not.

The IMX rods are made of ultra-thin material. It makes for a light rod, but they tend to explode. Stlhdr1 busted another IMX 1141s last night. Ouch. The guides and reel seats on the IMX suck. Quality sucks. But, they are light rods, and very sensitive.

The Allstars Ti's have very high end guides, exposed reel seats, and are a much higher quality rod over Loomis. These rods were specifically designed to be made of the same graphite material as the IMX, but thicker, to prevent rod explosion. Because of that, you do sacrifice some sensitivity and weight.

I would say that the Allstar Ti's would be the rod of choice over a GL3. Hands down, the Allstars are a better rod at a cheaper price.

If you are a fan of the IMX, don't care about quality or good components, and just gotta have that Loomis, you won't like the Allstar Ti's.

Personally, I feel the Ti's will be a great compliment and/or backup rod for my IMX's. They will be great boat rods, where rods will get abused, and you won't worry that you're rod will explode (like the IMX).

I suspect that a lot of these rods will be sold, as they are cheaper than the GL3, have much higher and better components, higher craftsmanship, higher quality, and in all, a much better rod over the GL3.

When the rods come out, I would highly recommend you check them out. Sorry, I don't know when they are suppose to be released, and what the retail prices are on them. I think the answer is something close to "soon" and in the low to mid $200's range.

I'd bet even 4Salt will like these rods (if they don't all break on him).

I really really really tried breaking the 1025 on that big, mean springer. I had that rod loaded to the max, at the point, where the 12/12 UG main/leader was just whining. You know, that high pitch noise you hear right at the breaking point of the line! The 1025 hung in there. Bummer.

Parker:

We await (with breath baited with eggs and what-nots) the pics of your success.

You synopsis on the performance of the All Star vs. the IMX is a bit confusing.

You say:

"I had the opportunity to test out the prototype Allstar Titanium 1141s and 1025c. I was really hoping that they would be a competitor to the Loomis IMX rods, but they are not."

Then you say, later:

"Personally, I feel the Ti's will be a great compliment and/or backup rod for my IMX's. They will be great boat rods, where rods will get abused, and you won't worry that you're rod will explode (like the IMX).

I suspect that a lot of these rods will be sold, as they are cheaper than the GL3, have much higher and better components, higher craftsmanship, higher quality, and in all, a much better rod over the GL3."

HUH????



Mike

"My" use of rods probalby varies from your use of rods.

I should have compared the Allstar to the GL3, but I don't use GL3's on a regular basis. I really only use my IMX's and my high-end custom rods now.

Here's what I'm trying to say:

I like the sensitivity and ultra-light weight of the IMX. I don't care if they explode, as I have a personal contact who get's them replaced for me the next day. What do I care if I bust a $350 rod, if it get's replaced (for free) every time I bust it? I personally like the lightness of the IMX.

That being said, the Allstars are not of the same caliber of the IMX. They are thicker, heavier, and because of that, you will lose some sensitivity. In all honesty, I bet 90% of everyone who reads this board couldn't tell the difference in sensitivity between the IMX and the Allstar. The 10%ers out there could, but most of you probalby could not.

Ok fine. The Allstars are not of an IMX caliber rod.

That being said, the Allstars DO have higher quality components over both the IMX and GL3's. The Allstars have exposed reel seats and high craftsmanship/quality, where the IMX/GL3 does not.

Hands down, the Allstar is a much higher quality rod, much more sensitive, and all around better rod over the GL3 - and at a cheaper price.

Only fools, or people like me, who can get a new IMX, will continue to use/buy the IMX rods.

I personally don't see how Loomis can even compete against the Titiniums when it comes to their GL3 line of rods. Why would you want to pay MORE and get LESS with a Loomis rod?

Make any more sense, Mike?

Yep.

Odds are that I'm in the 90% bracket. Got one AllStar now and am very pleased so far with its performance.

Will likely add a couple more of them before next fall, one being a 10'6" float rod.

Mike

I liked the Elite series rods as far as feel went too parker. I just must be cursed or something.

I'll check out the Ti's at your recommendation.

So Keith blew up another IMX, huh?

What are we gonna hafta do? Set him up with some training wheels?

Funny. Ask him "how" he busted the IMX! I will spare him the abuse, and if he want's to say, I'll leave that up to him!

All I can say is "Dork, dork, dork."

Anyone have experience with the AllStar ESH1263-2?

I like a fast tip, with enough backbone for a good hook-set. Don't care for the rod to explode when that Gami point is driven home!

Mike

Yes. That's the main rod I use when I fly dog...IE, training wheels. Sensitivity is not an issue with a float.

It is a heavy rod because it's so long, so you do get tired of fishing it all day.

It's a good casting float rod for steelhead and salmon. I like it over the 1143 for a float rod.

Parker

Nice pics and I see you guys remembered the bud light thirst quencher.

Parker-
Good comparison on the All Star vs Loomis thing. Would never pay what loomis wants for any of their rods when you can get an All Star or have a sweet custom built rod for cheaper than an IMX. Loomis needs to put down the pipe and get a grip when it comes to the price of their rods. Oh and nice fish too!
Chrome

when i grow up i wanna be just like u parker...problem is im 50...im soo jealous...must be nice to actually catch fish when ur fishin!!!

JK- I like your thought process... Just don't get stuck in a rut like most do.. Be versatile. If the fish are there and you are not getting bites spice the bait up a little or try a little different presentation. Remember, all fish bite it's just a matter of showing them what they want and in the right way...

Parker- I'm a jackarse having broke the rod while it got sucked into the kicker. But with the low water conditions there's a lot to do to keep your prop out of the rocks and fish at the same time. It's the first time I've ever done that as far as I can remember. Anyhow, I'm a idiot. Will likely have to pay for it to be replaced...

As Parker said though, fishing is getting tough and it's winding down. If you aren't fishing A+ bait with a A+ presentation, don't even bother after about 10am.. The fish tend to go off the bite as they've seen everything too many times...

DanS- Dude you will never catch me with training whells, sorry man... You can't catch the #'s you can on bait... Tony got to take quite a bit of springer home from the 3 trips as I limited him everyday. He'll have springers coming out his ears for this year, oh and the same goes for Parker....

Keith

Keith,

Yeah, I figure getting a float and jig rod in the hands of an all-out egg 'ho like you is about as likely as me nailing Anna Kournikova tonight.

But one day, I'm going to fish just a float and jig out of your boat for a while to see how it compares to how many you guys hook on eggs. Then if I go down 3 fish, I'll throw down the float rod, curse it, and egg 'ho it like everyone else.

You made Tony's whole week hitting him up for fishing like that. Drop me a line when the summer start showing in good numbers, and we'll go pound on them.

DanS-
Now that would be interesting.. The only problem is you'll need first water in every hole to have a chance and that's tough when your free drifting.. I'd bet you could hold your own but I don't think you'll ever find a day you'll out fish properly presented eggs...
Keith

Parker,

Have you messed with Rainshadow blanks? They are near IMX in all categories and tend to be a little hardier in the non-explosion dept. They are also steps up from All-star rods and about a $100.00 cheaper than IMX.

I've been a G Loomis guy for about 15 years and agree they are NOT the rods they were 10 years ago for the same reasons you mention above. I still fish them though........for now. I have a couple friends who are lewis river regulars that have switched over to the 1141 rainshadows from IMX and swear they won't go back(to the IMX) because of money saved and little, if any, loss of performance. I've felt the rods they use and have to admit they are pretty sweet.

Just curious if you and your crew have sampled them.

The only Rainshadow I have is a TH Custom HSR 930. I have never tried any other Rainshadow.

I seriously doubt they compare in sensitivity and weight to an IMX. On the other hand, I *DO* bet they are right up there with a GL3, though.

There is no comparison between a Loomis GL3 HSR 930 and the Rainshadow HSR 930 TH made for me. I got the TH with the exposed reel seat, the Sci-Tic guides, etc. Not only does it feel as good, if not better over the Loomis, the quality of the TH is a million times that of the Loomis. Oh yeah, and it was a fraction of the price.

I will say, as a user of the 1141 IMX, I don't think I could use any other rod now. I'm so used to the weight and feel, that all else just doesn't feel good to me. "My name is Parker, and I am an unfortunate 1141s IMX addict. I need help."

For those not addicted to the silly IMX, don't start. They are over-priced, crappy components, and break. But, they sure are NICE when boondoggin'....

Hello my name is Dave

I am also the unfortunate owner of a 1141s IMX.

I also use a 1084c IMX and have a serious rod buying habit. :p

As Parker stated the components on the IMX's are not top notch but for me it is all about the weight. I just get tired of holding some of my other rods that way a ton after 8-10 hours on the water.

Based purely on weight I wish Loomis would come out with a 1263C IMX. Those 10.5 foot rods get heavy!!!

Parker-
How can you call your IMX 1141 light??

:D

Hold on...............not quite done cracking up yet.

I'm cracking up by guys tak'n in by "names" of rods.....Spending anything over $50.00 , the only rod i've ever broken was my dads fly rod on a windy day along the big Nestucca in my car door

Louis F.

Hey, leave my coffee grinding surf reel out ot this! I *like* my coffee grinder!

I HATE the low and medium end Shimano spinning reels! They absolutely suck.

Yeah, the Diawa Capricorn is a big(ger) reel, holds more line, sounds like a coffe grinder (the drag), and is heavier than the smaller 2000 series Shimano Reels, but at least my Diawa is still working. Can't say that for the pile of fubar Shimano spinning reels sitting in my basement.

Oh, and I'm not willing to shell out multiple hundreds of dollars for a high end POS Shimano spinning reel that is gonna die any ways.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Oh, and all the $50 yellow rodders out there need not to reply.

parker,

Take at look at the Diawa Laguna 2500. Nice reel at a reasonable price.

I did, Dan. It was broke right out of the box. Used it once, and it was a piece of shiat. I took it back, and upgraded to the Capricorn. Haven't looked back since.

Parker, how can you say that... I have 2 stradics right here that are still solid as a rock.. No I don't fish them now as I've got the Sustain on one rod and the Stella on the other. But the last two mentioned have caught hundreds of fish each and still work like champs... You ever hear of reel lube??

Any reel that doesn't sound like cards in bike spokes when fighting a fish is good for me (like your's) heck be thankful sound doesn't travel from air into water you'd have the school spooked after hooking one fish... So I have to lube my shimano's once a year.... Half the problem with my reels is they get so caked with egg goo they get a little sticky but nothing a little dial soap don't fix... Oh yeah and a little egg goo on the rod doesn't hurt anything either... :p
Keith

Just for that, I'm gonna zip tie on a little bell to the end of my 1141. All day long your gonna have to listen to that bell as I drag the bottom for those steelies.

I'll have the quite the smphony going on once I hook a fish!



PS - Reel lube and/or grease? What's that?

parker,

What did you do......open the box with a jackhammer?

My Laguna has treated me very nicely. I have been known to clean and lube it occasionally, though.

Think if I got Keith liquored up enough that I could make off with his Stella?

Dan

I am also a big fan of the Laguna. I have fished them for two seasons now without any malfunctions.

I noticed that nobody mentioned the Lamiglas certified pro or Ti2000 series rods. How do these compare to the IMX and new All Star Titanium rods?

Chalk up another BIG for the Diawa Laguna 2500!

Parker, No yellar rods here....i'm just say'n there are lots of quality rods out there (not overpriced) that do the work for half the price.... I'm cheap and very proud of it.....I've caught 25 lb salmon on a 6.6 zebco gatorback(9.99 at Big5) matched with a 5501C3. Here is my latest match i just love to use.....(not yellar) 7' Shimano Convergence Rod, 24.99...and a Abu 5000 39.99. I catch i eat.


Louis F.

now this thread is for me! I am a fan of the big five discount rods, I try to catch them when thier on clearance, then I get them at 50% of 9.99. I get snagged and have to much trouble with car doors, tree limbs and my wife when she's pissed to be dealing with the money bags stuff. if my stuff breaks, I handline the fish in and go buy another 10 dollar wonder. ain't tryed it with a large fish, but should work with a little line burn

Funny.

You guys get snagged up on the bottom, and instead of breaking off and retying, you guys just toss the whole rod/reel in the water and go get a new one!

That's funny, there has been times I've wanted to throw my whole loomis setup overboard... Not for the lack of sensitivity just whiffing too many over achieving summer runs or losing them... I've had my bad streaks...
Keith

Someone, on this board, once suggested to me that "yellow rods make great tomato stakes." I would imagine a Shimano Covergence would be equally suitable.
Just a thought...

Parker,
I noticed in your videos, you guys set the hook on alot of your fish (sidedrifting). Since I stopped setting the hook, my hook up ratio has increased significantly. Whats your thought on this? Are they not committing or somthing? not trying to be an ass, (can't help that ) just wondering.
Also cheap rods do have a purpose..... Loaners

We're not side drifting for these fish. It's straight boondogging. Oh, and you are only seeing my edits. I put the "whiffs" in there for fun!

Here's my take on it:

I will suspect if you're waiting for summer fish to hook themselves, you're probably going to be missing a ton of fish.

Some fish committ suicide and swallow the bait (no brainers. Line is screaming. You got fish. Reel now). Some fish will just pick up your bait and swim along with the boat, only to spit it out. Some fish will chomp on the bait, but not committ. If you don't set the hook on these fish, you will *NOT* get them by waiting.

Unlike a winter run, which doesn't want to move too much for your bait, the summer run will happily move a great distance for a bait. You can see this in the video when I hook that "chaser". That fish easily traveled 20 feet from it's hiding slot to get my prawn that I was retrieving to the boat! Because these fish are fiesty, they like to grab the baits and swim with the boat. The only indication you might get that you have a fish is either a slacked up line (dead giveaway you should set the hook NOW), or some very subtle on the ol' IMX 1141s. The 1141 may, or may not fully load up on you.

Since the winter run fish likes to stay put, all you have to do is keep moving the boat, and the fish will probably just hook itself. That has been my experience in boonin' for winter/spring fish. They tend to easily hook themselves.

I'd say the majority of these summer runs have inhaled the baits and it probably wouldn't make a difference if we set the hook or not.

But, try getting me to "wait" with a 1141 and a summer run. Yeah, I'll wait until number 3, and it's all over. Set the hook and bust the rod, 'cuz it's fish on time!

We see guide boats full of clueless clients catch fish all the time. So, that tells you the "hold the rod and look stupid" method of boondogging does work.

Maybe it's not necessary, but we're not missing fish because we're setting the hook. Of the fish we do miss, we always tend to feel that we waited too long for the hookset.

Feeling the "bite" and the 1141 loading up, followed by a good, hard hookset, is 99% of the fun for me! Past that, you can reel up the fish for me.

To be fair I don't spend a pile of time sidedrifting summers, its usually more a winter show and we rarely have fish drop the bait. With my limited summer run sidedrifting or boondoggin expirience I found that waiting = alot less wiffing. But when there climbing all over it it doesn't make a huge difference anyways.