What size rod to buy for Steelies

[brichards44]

I am getting back into salmon and steelhead fishing. I typically have drift fished most of the time. There are a million rods now. Any suggestions on one that will work for both and what size should I buy?

[Rick]

I like longer rods. For an all purpose steelhead rod I'd go 9'6" rated 6-12. Its long enough that you can also float fish with it.

If you had to go with just one rod and wanted to use it for salmon and steelhead I'd still go 9'6" but bump it up to 8-17.

[MtnMuley]

I fish light tackle for everything.  The rod you need should be based on the type of fishing you're going to be doing.  Ocean, River, Boat, Shore, etc.  I use a couple G Loomis 8'6" 8-17 medium action extra fast tipped rods for chinook and steelies in the rivers--light, but well worth the fight imo.

[garyltbh]

i use the same rods as mnt muley only a little heavier great rods

[Hillbilly270]

I like longer rods. For an all purpose steelhead rod I'd go 9'6" rated 6-12. Its long enough that you can also float fish with it.

If you had to go with just one rod and wanted to use it for salmon and steelhead I'd still go 9'6" but bump it up to 8-17.

  i'd go with rogue rods if it were me.

[87Ford]

As a general purpose steelhead rod I think 8'6" is best.  It's long enough yet easier to fight through the brush getting to the river bank.  I've waded many miles of river bank and fished out of a driftboat a whole bunch with my 8'6" Loomis 8-12lb.  I like Lamiglas too.

[boneaddict]

9'6" 9 weight does wonders for steelies and salmon.  Its a little over gunned for steelies.  7 is probably the best.  I've caught several on a 3 and 4 and many on a 5.  Those are pretty light though.  7's work better at throwing appropriate lines for bigger water.   I've caught a bunch of chum on a 7 but it was undergunned.  A 9 is often undergunned for Kings but perfect for almost all other salmonids.

[garyltbh]

that is a big question what tipe water are you fishing  what kind of rigging are you going to use are you drift fishing are you bank fishing are you boat fishing let us no alittle more and mabey someone can help you choise the right rod

[Huntbear]

Do you want one rod for both summer and winter steelhead?  If so, I would recommend a 9' or 9'6" MH with a fast action.  With like a 10-20 line rating.  You get the best of both worlds that way.  Enough tip to feel the light bites, but enough rod to deal with winter water levels, and the bigger winter fish.  It will also double well as a spring Chinook rod.

Best I can do, unless you get much more specific with your techniques.

[Antlershed]

I dont think you can have one rod that does it all, but the closest is the G Loomis steelhead series 1165 9'8" 8-17.

[cwuwildcat]

Slightly off topic, but I've had this same question, and this one goes along with the OP.  Cast or spin rod?

[MtnMuley]

All based on your application.

[Antlershed]

Slightly off topic, but I've had this same question, and this one goes along with the OP.  Cast or spin rod?

For my suggestion, casting, but I agree with MtnMuley that it all depends on the application.

[h2ofowlr]

If your fishing out of a boat I would go with a 8'6" rod or there abouts.  If your bank fishing 9'6" or longer would be the way to go in a 6-20 lb range depending on river and size of steelhead you are targeting.

[270Shooter]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?

[MtnMuley]

Me personally, a 10'6" noodle rod.

[270Shooter]

kinda what my buddy wants me to get, he says a 9'6'' 6-10 lb lamiglas.

[MtnMuley]

That would be a great rod.  I prefer Loomis, but that's just me.....something about the sensitivity.

[270Shooter]

Would love one too, just kinda out of my price range right now.

[carpsniperg2]

all our steelie poles are around 9-10feet

[BigGoonTuna]

i think for drift fishing it's hard to beat a 9 foot 8-12 or 8-15.  nothing wrong with an 8'6 either.  i don't care much for long rods for drift fishing(other than my 9'6, 6-10lb summer run rod).  leave the 10-20 meat stick at home if you plan on targeting summer runs.  i fish for natives on occasion and never need anything that heavy.

bobber fishing on the other hand, get the longest that's practical for where you fish(not too long if you fish in the little brushy areas).  i've got a 10'6" lamiglas that's great for that.

[snocohunter]

I agree with everyone else. I fish an 8'6 Loomis that's 8-17lb and fast action and it's handled everything i've needed it too. I'll probably be looking to pick up a 9'6 for some bank duty at some point, and maybe a spinning rod for the boat as a backup side drifting rod.

[ridgefire]

for a river rod fishing from the shore i would go with a 9 foot 8 to 17 fast action

[Huntbear]

I do not mean to hijack the thread, but what is the difference in a 10 ft. mooching or drifting rod?  Same action, same power, same length, same line rating.   

Now back to regularly scheduled opinions.   

[snocohunter]

Also, check craigslist for deals. There's an add on there for the same rod i use now G-Loomis STR 1025C 8-17 med heavy fast action. $150. The ad is signed Gary Loomis at the bottom, maybe it's actually Gary. Wouldn't surprise me.

[brichards44]

OK! Thanks for all the info. To be more specific I will probably go back to drift fishing rivers and most likely the Skykomish/Snoqualmie. I have family and friends with boats and plan to be in the market soon. I will go back to a bait cast rod, but could see myself varying techniques between plugs and drift fishing bobbers ect. Thanks

[BigGoonTuna]

I do not mean to hijack the thread, but what is the difference in a 10 ft. mooching or drifting rod?  Same action, same power, same length, same line rating.   

Now back to regularly scheduled opinions.   

mooching rods typically have a more moderate taper, while drift rods are usually fast or extra fast actions.

[Thefisherman83]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?

10'6" loomis float series.

[Huntbear]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?

10'6" loomis float series.

Ok, one that will not break me?   

[270Shooter]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?

10'6" loomis float series.

Ok, one that will not break me?   

how about a 9'6'' Lamiglas rock creek series. Thats what I am looking at getting, I dont think they are to spendy.

[Thefisherman83]

I bought one for my dad last christmas.  Good rod for the price (around $70)  The action is a little stiff for floating IMO.

[Thefisherman83]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?

10'6" loomis float series.

Ok, one that will not break me?   

If you dont go over the line/weight rating they wont break. 

[Huntbear]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?

10'6" loomis float series.

Ok, one that will not break me?   

If you dont go over the line/weight rating they wont break. 

I meant my wallet.

[Antlershed]

I bought one for my dad last christmas.  Good rod for the price (around $70)  The action is a little stiff for floating IMO.

I don't think you need a sensitive rod for float fishing. Hell, I bet I could float fish with a 2x4 

[Thefisherman83]

   Didnt see the me at the end.  I thought you were taking a shot at Loomies.  My bad

[Thefisherman83]

I bought one for my dad last christmas.  Good rod for the price (around $70)  The action is a little stiff for floating IMO.

I don't think you need a sensitive rod for float fishing. Hell, I bet I could float fish with a 2x4 

Not going to get much casting distance though 

[Huntbear]

 Didnt see the me at the end.  I thought you were taking a shot at Loomies.  My bad

Nope, never.  Loomies are fantastic rods.  Wish I had not sold mine, that was hand wrapped at the old plant in Woodland.  Probably worth a mint now.

[Thefisherman83]

Nope, never.  Loomies are fantastic rods.  Wish I had not sold mine, that was hand wrapped at the old plant in Woodland.  Probably worth a mint now.
[/quote]

Probably, a friend of mine has one.  I keep trying to get him to stop fishing with it, but he wont listen.

[Antlershed]

I bought one for my dad last christmas.  Good rod for the price (around $70)  The action is a little stiff for floating IMO.

I don't think you need a sensitive rod for float fishing. Hell, I bet I could float fish with a 2x4 

Not going to get much casting distance though 

Just get a longer 2x4 for the bigger rivers 

[Thefisherman83]

LMAO

[Huntbear]

I bought one for my dad last christmas.  Good rod for the price (around $70)  The action is a little stiff for floating IMO.

I don't think you need a sensitive rod for float fishing. Hell, I bet I could float fish with a 2x4 

Not going to get much casting distance though 

Just get a longer 2x4 for the bigger rivers 

I can see him now, with a 14 ft. 2x4 casting wiggle warts.