Can anyone recommend a good Steelheading pole for drift fishing and a good reel. I would like to upgrade to a nicer set-up this year.

I was using an ugly stick and a spinning reel last year, if that tells you anything. I made due with it and landed a few fish, but I couldn't help wondering if I had a better pole with more sensitivity and flex and a better quality reel I would have caught a few more.

So if any one has had good luck and consistent results with a particular brand or make let me know. I would be interested in looking into it.

RAE

I have been looking into the G Loomis but dont have any experience with it.

Cant go wrong with the standard Lamiglas/Loomis-Abu 5500 setup. I have had both for over 10 years without a fail including the 49# in pic in the top of the forum

Thanks for the great tip. It looks like from both of you that you recommend the loomis. I will ahve to go to the outdoor sportman and take a look at that line.

Thanks,
RAE

I have bought a few loomis poles this last year, and love them. Ebay is really the best way to go. Often times you can get a pole for $70 or more under the retail. Even if it is used it is no problem because with loomis's expeditor program you can replace any rod for $50 if broken no matter what the cost of the rod was, or who bought the rod. There is no registration involved. It must be a gloomis factory rod though. No custom rods. Another thing why ebay is so nice is that g loomis rods rarely if ever are on sale. Go to www.gloomis.com to look up what type of pole you might want under their products section. Also you can pick up salmon and steelhead flyers at any loomis retailer that show you each rod's specifications. For spinning you would probably want a 1024S, 1082S, 1141S, or 1143S. I usually am using my 1143S because I do more float fishing and it is longer and easier to control line.

I've had my Lamiglas Pro Med/Light rod for 6 years now. It rocks.

My reel is a relatively cheap ($129) Pinnacle Vision. It was a new model when I bought it, and I don't think they make steelhead reels anymore. I keep it greased and oiled and have never had any problem. I can't see myself ever spending more than about $150 on a level wind.

These all sound like great tips. Dev88t we are definately going to have to meet up and do some fishing this year. My brothers and I are thinking about shooting on over to the Grande Rounde and giving it a try. We have been hearing great things from that area. You just always seem to have some good advise.

RAE

The only bad thing is I can give advise from what I read, but am not too experienced yet. As far as steelhead are concerned I can float fish and use spinners, but cant drift fish worth a lick. I need to go fish with someone that can drift fish so I can learn! I guess it all come with years under the belt so I suppose I will just have to keep practicing, which doesnt hurt my feelings!

You know that is funny as I have more experience drift fishing then I do with floats or spinners. I think a fishing trip this spring would be a good thing. Maybe we can work a trade with what we have learned so far, as I have come across several riggings for drift fishing that work really well. Keep me in mind and as spring approaches let's chat about a fishing trip.

RAE

Sounds good to me!

I agree with G Loomis being a quality rod. I am thinking of the Temple Forks Lefty Kreh TiCr Signature Series. I looked at them at Sportsco and they seemed very nice for the price. I am debating on a 6 or 7 what do you guys think?

Jimn, When you say debating on a 6 or 7 are you talking about a fly rod wt, or length?? I am assuming fly rod, which glock would be the one to tell you that!

For the price I have never been that impressed with Loomis.

Try something like a Lamiglas Certified Pro in 8'-6" medium action (or a Lami Esprit Concept or Ti2000 would be even better). Might try ~ 9'-6" length for a combo drift/float rod.

Maybe even better yet and call the folks at TH Custom Rods. Have them build you a Rainshadow rod. I hear really good things about both.

For a reel troll store shelves and Ebay for a discontinued Shimano Curado 200/201BSF. They ran about $147 before they were discontinued.

Obviously, go with better gear if you have the cash.

www.lamiglas.com/pf_salmon.php
www.thcustomrods.com/
www.batsonenterprises....blanks.php
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayIS...0:RECO:BIN

I do have one rainshadow built by TH Custom rods and it is a great rod. My TH 1143S was the first higher end rod that I bought, and Tom and Travis at TH Rods are great people to work with. I would highly recommend that route if you dont want to spend the money on a loomis. Plus TH backs their work with a great warranty as well.

Once again you truly get the sense that the individuals that post messages on this site daily truly love the sport of fishing. I am absolutely in shock at the overwhelming response to my different posts each week. There is so much great information. I have been navigating people to this site left and right. Thank you for all of the great tips on selecting a fishing pole and reel for this style of fishing. I really don't want to be out on the shore with an ugly stick this year. Everybody really loves the pictures, so keep them coming. Some of them are so impressive!!!

RAE