I have been running Loomis GL3 HSR9000's and GL3 HSR930's for most of my steelhead and salmon fishing. I love the sensitivity that these rods offer but I have recently been changing my views after purchasing a Fenwick FS85C fiberglass plug rod. I love the action that the Fenwick has not to mention that it costs alomost $200 less than the Loomis.

I have had a lot of brutal takedowns on my Loomis plug rods only to come up empty when you grab the rod. The extra fast action of the Loomis doesn't give as much as the fiberglass when a fish strikes resulting in more missed strikes(my opinion from trial and error). The fiberglass has slower action which I believe allows a fish to hold the plug better giving you more time to set the hook.

If you plan on running bait divers, then the fiberglass rod is the way to go. The slow action will allow a fish to chew on the bait without feeling as much springy resistance.

Anyways, Fishawk, if you have your heart set on Loomis, then I reccommend the GL3 HSR9000 for summer runs and hatchery winter runs. I have caught 20+ pounders on this rod which was totally maxed out the whole battle. For heavier applications such as native steelies I suggest the GL3 HSR930 which is heavier than the 9000 but still offers killer sensitivity. I have even caught kings over 30lbs. on the 930's and they're still in one piece!

Life is short...fish hard!!