Question about Loomis New Steelhead Series

[ML_Hunter]

I don't recall what blank they used (was once told by a Loomis rep) but it was a blend there other rod blanks. G. Loomis made this line to stand out on its own and separate it from the GL's, GLX, and IMX series.

I have the STR1163C and LOVE IT!! When fishing for steelhead, coho, and pinks, its one of my go-to rods. I own several Lami Cert-pros, and a couple of GL2/GL3's. When going after the above mentioned fish, its deffently one of the rods I have with me. Because its a 9'8", I commonly use it as a float rod..but have also used it as a drifting rod, side drifting, and with spinners. The light action makes casting a dream even with light weight. I had even hooked up with a 27 lbs king when fishing for cohos one day and the rod handled that fish just fine without me ever worrying about breaking the rod.

I noticed that you were looking at the 8-17lbs rod...I would strongly recommend that you concider the 6-12, what you lose in muscle you gain in sensitivity! But it has plenty of backbone to handle the bigger fish, IMO. Then again if your MAIN use is for coho the 8-17 would be just fine, for a good blend of steelhead AND coho, then I would HIGHLY recommend the 6-12.

Either way, its an awesome rod and one of my favs!! 

Here is another good article about the rod by Terry Wiest, and he used the Steelhead series on Steelhead, Kings, and Chum.
http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/GLoomis_Steelhead_Series_part1.html

I should also mention that I have now owned this rod for about 18 months now...have hooked Tons of pinks, a good number of Coho's, 3 kings and 20+ steelies with this rod. I have every con finance with it. I am actually thinking of getting another one...maybe the 1044S? Thinking of a shorter spinning rod for side drifting out of a boat.

[rgalanti21]

TheFisherman83: Thanks for correcting me on the material used, your description makes far more sense as I had it backwards.

ML_Hunter: Thanks for recommending the 1163C, I definitely need to think this over because that article you referenced was pretty convincing! If the 6-12 can handle the 27 lb king you hooked, then it should handle any silver, and thus be light enough for those subtle steelhead bites.

I just don't want to be "undergunned", but from the sounds of it the 6-12 has the best combination of sensitivity and power.

Thanks guys and I welcome any other comments/suggestions!

Tight lines 

[wildmanoutdoors]

This pic defines. "UNDERGUNNED". While it may have worked, it was definately too light of rod for this Chum!

[rgalanti21]

This pic defines. "UNDERGUNNED". While it may have worked, it was definately too light of rod for this Chum!

I noticed that picture when I read the article...

[ML_Hunter]

Understand that I never intended to hook a king on my rod, Just so happened that I hooked a late fat king which was on the darker side (as wildguy mentioned, it work but was too light). I had a long gravel bar and was able to let the fish play out. I knew I was not going to break my rod, and never felt underguned while fighting the fish, but if I had my girlfriend using the rod, fighting the same fish  I would be worried .

Terry Wiest in the article I think was really trying to make the rod fail...or push the rod to the point just prior to failure. I would be a bit nervous if my rod was bending like his on that chum.

I use mine as a float rod for coho, and that is the biggest fish I target with this rod. Its the longest rod I own, trust that it'll handle the fish (including the larger Humptulips and OP coho's)...so i figured why not!  Its not a King or Chum rod, the 8-17 would be much preferred for the bigger fish.

[Bone_Collector]

One thing to remember with the Loomis warranty is its not free! If you break the rod its still going to cost you to have it fixed! I have had them quote me over $100 to fix a broken tip section! But I guess thats what happens when a small company gets bought out by the corparations!

Now on a side note I have been switching over my work rods from loomis to rainshadow and I am kicking my self for not doing it YEARS ago! I love the rods and they are tough as nails!

B_C

[wildmanoutdoors]

I had been using Loomis all along. Then Rain Shadow came out and I had TH custom rods tie up a few for me. We had allot of failures with those in the early years. My guess is Batson has it down now. But it left a bad taste in my mouth and if I cant trust it, Im not using it.
There service was outstanding and always replaced everything.

I then went back to Loomis and never had an issue. That is until I got a sponcership from St Croix. Got a big batch o rods and they were as bad at failing as the RS's.

Back to Loomis and never looked back...They might be owned by Shimano, but they just dont fail!

[Thefisherman83]

One thing to remember with the Loomis warranty is its not free! If you break the rod its still going to cost you to have it fixed! I have had them quote me over $100 to fix a broken tip section! But I guess thats what happens when a small company gets bought out by the corparations!

Now on a side note I have been switching over my work rods from loomis to rainshadow and I am kicking my self for not doing it YEARS ago! I love the rods and they are tough as nails!

B_C

I'm sure Shimano didnt do us any favors, but the replacement fees have risen so much because people abused the warranty.  You shouldnt get a free rod if you slam yours in your car door!  Gary Loomis' new company has the same $100 replacement fees for the same reasons. 

[boneaddict]

more commenting on wildmans chum photo than Loomis.  I am a Sage man myself.

I ahve seen those striped buggers break more rods than any other fish.   

[TheHunt]

Some chums are real fighting fish.  It seems as if the Nisqually Chums fight more then the Puyallup as a generalization. 

[Bone_Collector]

I understand about people abusing the loomis warranty it used to be that if it was because of a factory defect they would take care of the problem for $20 not the minimum $100 fee! But when a brand new rod explodes into 5 pieces when a 6 pound spring Chinook takes a glob of eggos while back trolling some thing should be done!

On top of that ever since shimano bought out loomis they have eliminated their in house guide program. They are part of a big corporation now and it shows. Its left a bad taste in my mouth and to be honest with you I am not real impressed with their product any more!

B_C