When your doing your Zipperlip thing in Sept/Oct. or fun fishing on the O.P. I know you use the bugrod first. But when its time to get busy what rods and reels do you use on those big nates? Go thru the list of set-up's you keep on hand. Thank's

Client's rods:

casting: Loomis GL3 STR 1025C with Shimano Curados, 12 lb. Ultragreen.

spinning: Loomis GL2 STR 1082S with Quantum Energy E5-4 reels, usually loaded with 10 or 12 lb. Ultragreen depending upon conditions.

plug rods: Loomis GL3 HSR 981C with Ambu 5500's, loaded with 12 lb. Maxima Fibreglow and 6 feet of either 10 or 12 lb. Ultragreen blood-knotted in.

my rod (doesn't get enough use : Loomis GL3 1025C with Shimano Chronarch Mg, also with 12 lb. Ultragreen

Swivels: Rosco #7 snaps (still waiting for Justin to send me some of them Visions!)

Leaders: Ultragreen 8-12 lb. test

Hooks: bait - Fenwick, red, size 2-3/0. Bought hoardes of them by boxes of 1000 for $20/box a few years back and still have some left. Actually been a very good hook for me. Singles on plugs: Gami 2/0 siwash. Trebles on plugs: Gami barbless.

Net: Loki C&R net. Soft, non-absorbent, tiny mesh ... I prefer to net a fish (with AND ONLY WITH this type of net) green and send it on its way. I may make a proposal for net types to be used in C&R fisheries next go 'round.

Terminal rigs: Depends on water conditions and where I fish each year, but in order of what I use most:

1- The conehead, gotta go fishing with me if you want to know what it is and exactly how you rig it.
2 - Rags and shrimp ... dirtier water
3- Corkies / aeroflies and shrimp ... clean water
4- Bobber / Jig ... very clean water.

My gutz are on the floor

Bob,

That was one of the most informative posts I've seen in a long time. Thanks for sharing.

Andy

I'd do more if I had more time ... I even got caught today by Dave Jackson trying to put an extra day in the year

If I could have 28 hour days, I would!

Bob wasn't looking for the keys to vault, but thanks! Now I know how to set up my own little guide service. Was looking for your "my time" gear set-up, looks like you go with the GL-3 1025. Ever fish a imx in 1025 or 1084? If so how do they compare, thought the 1084 might be better on really big nates.

[ 01-15-2002: Message edited by: chrome/22 ]

Chrome-
Ive fished both the 1025 GL3 and the 1025 IMX and the differance in sensitivity and weight is very noticeable.

The 1025 IMX is the greatest steelhead rod ever, I imagine the 1084 is close but I like the extra beef and the ability to throw heavier leads with the 1025.

If you were going to fish for salmon as well with the rod, I would stick to the GL3 as it does have a little more power then the 1025 and takes the abuse much better.

I've got a imx 1025, biggist head on it so far was a 17 lb. buck out of the upper humptulips a few years ago. I'm thinking the 1084 might be all in all the stronger rod, I went back & forth between these two, went for the 1025 because of the higher line rating. Seems like the 1084 has just as much backbone with another 6". Any users want to chime in?

Fished the IMX 1025 a little .. very nice, but my gear gets enough hard use that I prefer the durabilty of the GL3. I usually buy stuff for myself that can work for clients as well, and unfortunately, some people don't treat rods as nicely as they should

Bob, I'm somewhat anal retentive about CnR, where can I get one of those fine mesh nets? Thanks, and thanks for spilling your gutz too.

I've got a 1025 GL3 that is partially done (just need to wrap the other side of the guides and put finish on it) and I built my dad a 1084 Rainshadow for Christmas. I haven't had a fish on a 1025 yet, but I'm sure it is stronger than the 1084. The 1084 is a great rod and I'm glad I chose that one for my dad, but it doesn't have the power of the 1025. For nates I wouldn't use anything weaker than a 1025. Everyone is going to jump me with, "I caught a huge steelie on my snoopy pole," but its my preference to go at least as heavy as a 1025.

Just my $.02.

~ Dr Pepper