I am thinking about buying a new drift rod. I have talked to alot of guys and they love the 1143c. but I am looking in the GLoomis catalog and I see this 1173s-sk. now when I read all about it I wounder if maybe this rod is like the 1143c. can someone tell me how different these are. I will probably go with Rainshadow and have TH do the work. but I am woundering is the 1173 more riggid or what? I know the 1173 is sold as a spining but that is the best thing about custom rapped rods. I can have it biult to a casting rod. or should I just stay with the 1143c? I allso see that the hadles are different.

lets have it. what do you guys like best?

dc

1143 Best all around rod made bar none!!! .I have had mine for a 4 years or so now and I fish it 90% of the time!! TM

Hey DCRZCATTER

I also love my 1143...don't know if 3 more inches would help.......unless my name was Dave Jackson

I've been using the 1173 (spinning rod version)for summer runs, pinks, chums, (a few nookies), cohos, and winter runs. I love it's versitility. I do mostly spinner/spoon fishing and float/bait/jig fishing (with a plug thrown in here and there) and this rod handles like a dream. Catching anything over 12 to 15lbs can really test your nerves though.
While it's rated at 6 to 12lb line, 8lb ultra green seems to be made for it. 10lb UG is OK. I just started trying 14lb hi-vis fireline, and so far, it works well with the rod.
It is very sensitive and bet it would make a great drift fishing rod, and I bet you'd like the extra inches.
And $185 for a GL3 seems like a great deal!
my .02cents.

I have to agree that the 1173 is over rated at 6-12 pound line. I fished one on the coast yesterday for the first time and the fish put a strain on it. I ran 10 pound line which worked fine but 12 might be too much for it, I'd say it's more of a 6-10 pound rod. The 1143 is hard to beat for a drift rod, it can handle large nates no problem. Hoping to convince the people at Loomis into making an 1145, 9 1/2 foot 8-17 pound line for nate fishing, be able to get them to the bank alot quicker.....maybe!

Have a 1143 from TH. He made it for me in beginning of December 01.

I love it! It is really sensitive at the tip, but you can tell it has tremendous backbone. I will say I have not put it to the Nate test.

Another thing I like about it is in casting (spinner) it has alot of spring at the tip and a gentle whip casts out quite far.

I use it for drifting and fishing. I use Power Pro 30lb for jiggin and it is amazing. I also use Izor 20lb on it while I'm banking near fast water. It has worked real well with both.

TH did a great job on the craftsmanship.

Sorry a little more than .02 cents.

Steve

thanks guys. I think I will probably try the 1143c. If I don't like I will just add it to my collection and get another rod. Now with the over time I am working I will proabably order soon.


dc