Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: brichards44 on June 10, 2010, 04:27:39 PM

Title: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: brichards44 on June 10, 2010, 04:27:39 PM: 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?
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Rick on June 10, 2010, 04:31:41 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: MtnMuley on June 10, 2010, 04:32:02 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: garyltbh on June 10, 2010, 04:36:37 PM: i use the same rods as mnt muley only a little heavier great rods
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Hillbilly270 on June 10, 2010, 04:46:27 PM: Quote from: Rick on June 10, 2010, 04:31:41 PM
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.

:yeah: i'd go with rogue rods if it were me. :twocents:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: 87Ford on June 10, 2010, 05:11:43 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: boneaddict on June 10, 2010, 05:16:19 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: garyltbh on June 12, 2010, 05:23:15 PM: 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
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Huntbear on June 12, 2010, 05:51:11 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Antlershed on June 12, 2010, 06:16:02 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: cwuwildcat on June 12, 2010, 06:28:37 PM: Slightly off topic, but I've had this same question, and this one goes along with the OP. Cast or spin rod?
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: MtnMuley on June 12, 2010, 06:48:52 PM: All based on your application. :twocents:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Antlershed on June 12, 2010, 07:41:31 PM: Quote from: cwuwildcat on June 12, 2010, 06:28:37 PM
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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: h2ofowlr on June 12, 2010, 08:21:39 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:32:59 PM: 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?
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: MtnMuley on June 12, 2010, 08:39:36 PM: Me personally, a 10'6" noodle rod.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:42:58 PM: kinda what my buddy wants me to get, he says a 9'6'' 6-10 lb lamiglas.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: MtnMuley on June 12, 2010, 08:46:49 PM: That would be a great rod. I prefer Loomis, but that's just me.....something about the sensitivity.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:59:25 PM: Would love one too, just kinda out of my price range right now.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 12, 2010, 09:12:14 PM: all our steelie poles are around 9-10feet
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: BigGoonTuna on June 12, 2010, 09:14:09 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: snocohunter on June 13, 2010, 08:06:14 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: ridgefire on June 13, 2010, 08:29:00 PM: for a river rod fishing from the shore i would go with a 9 foot 8 to 17 fast action
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Huntbear on June 13, 2010, 08:33:06 PM: 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. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:

Now back to regularly scheduled opinions. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: snocohunter on June 13, 2010, 09:22:51 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: brichards44 on June 14, 2010, 06:10:14 PM: 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
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: BigGoonTuna on June 14, 2010, 08:07:32 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on June 13, 2010, 08:33:06 PM
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. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:

Now back to regularly scheduled opinions. :chuckle: :chuckle:
mooching rods typically have a more moderate taper, while drift rods are usually fast or extra fast actions.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 06:52:32 PM: Quote from: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:01:15 PM: Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
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? :chuckle:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: 270Shooter on June 17, 2010, 07:02:45 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:01:15 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
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? :chuckle:
how about a 9'6'' Lamiglas rock creek series. Thats what I am looking at getting, I dont think they are to spendy.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:04:32 PM: I bought one for my dad last christmas. Good rod for the price (around $70) The action is a little stiff for floating IMO.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:08:46 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:01:15 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
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? :chuckle:

If you dont go over the line/weight rating they wont break.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:21:54 PM: Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:08:46 PM
Quote from: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:01:15 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: 270Shooter on June 12, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
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? :chuckle:

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

I meant my wallet.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Antlershed on June 17, 2010, 07:24:41 PM: Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:04:32 PM
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 :chuckle:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:25:14 PM: :bash: Didnt see the me at the end. I thought you were taking a shot at Loomies. My bad
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:25:56 PM: Quote from: Antlershed on June 17, 2010, 07:24:41 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:04:32 PM
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 :chuckle:

Not going to get much casting distance though :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:26:38 PM: Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:25:14 PM
:bash: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:28:18 PM: 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.
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Antlershed on June 17, 2010, 07:30:56 PM: Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:25:56 PM
Quote from: Antlershed on June 17, 2010, 07:24:41 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:04:32 PM
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 :chuckle:

Not going to get much casting distance though :chuckle: :chuckle:
Just get a longer 2x4 for the bigger rivers :chuckle:
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:34:20 PM: LMAO
Title: Re: What size rod to buy for Steelies
Post by: Huntbear on June 17, 2010, 07:44:48 PM: Quote from: Antlershed on June 17, 2010, 07:30:56 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:25:56 PM
Quote from: Antlershed on June 17, 2010, 07:24:41 PM
Quote from: Thefisherman83 on June 17, 2010, 07:04:32 PM
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 :chuckle:

Not going to get much casting distance though :chuckle: :chuckle:
Just get a longer 2x4 for the bigger rivers :chuckle:

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