Several years ago I broke my trust rainshadow xst1141. Unfortunately many rod manufacturers no longer produce the classic 1141. I am looking to buy a gl3 1141 or classic imx 1141. Loomis no longer produces the 1141(as best i can tell). unless in the imx and while a nice blank, I really dont like the shape of the cork fore grip. So, does anybody have a stash of side drifters that they are willing to part with one? It's a shame rainshadow no longer makes the 1141 that thing killed a lot of fish!

Talon makes a 9'6" 4-8lb. I haven't fished it yet but might be worth a look

I went and met Chris who owns pro-lite. I believe he is going to build a rod for me. We had decided on building a 9' 5wt into a light spin cast. Just need to find the right blank and confirm details. Nice guy, he's going to repair a few rods as well!

Might wan t to try eBay for stuff no longer manufactured. I have picked up lots of stuff, like old lures, reels, and such from the dim past. Most will, of course, be used, but it will still work.

Of course, getting a new rod custom made to specs and colors and whatever is a treat, too.

In my fly-flinging life I have tended to go smaller. While my Dad made me a "flea-rod" that is about 3' long and perfect for brushy creeks, my wife got me a custom made 1wt. Even has my name on it. Travels well. Hass successfully visited Ecuador and Costa Rica, where the trout are pretty and willing.

Ive had an eye on ebay for quite a while with no luck unfortunately.

I'm with you on going small and light. That's where the fun is! I caught a couple steelhead this summer on a 8' 2-6lb ultralight which sparked a new desire for a light limber rod. Using gear that light allowed me to throw 1/8oz lead /w an 18" leader. The rod is just a cheap shimano. I'm looking for a higher modulus graphite for more sensitivity but not something that will blow up on me. The batson REV series is a nice stick but doesn't look like they make a 2 piece anymore. Still searching for the right one.

I'm with you. As a kid my dad gave me a spincast reel (hated it) and a tubular steel rod. Nothing bent it. Finally, I bought what would new be called a Snoopy or Barbie rod and fished that for a few years. Got a bunch of what passed for nice fish to a kid. Then we built a spinning rod from a Herter's kit and added a Mitchell 300. I had the Cadillac of set ups. My first steelhead was on that rod, plus all sorts other freshwater stuff. We went on a long-range trip out of San Diego as a college graduation present. Went in February, which was too early for Yellowtail or anything big and sporting. I used the spinning rod with a sardine and caught mackerel and Bonito. When we got home the line was brittle from being stretched so much.

My preference now is generally pretty fish; size doesn't really matter. Looking for a walk access spot around Olympia with sunfish that need exercise.

All that said, when I chased Kenai sockeye it was with the appropriate gear to get them in and to the processor ASAP.