I'm looking at purchasing a light action Steelhead spinning rod. G Loomis is great but a little out of my price range. I'd be using this rod mainly for Summer Steelhead in low, clear water conditions. Any opinions would be great here.
Thanks and remember "The Best Head is a Steelhead"
Mark

I used a Cabela's Tourney Trail model SS906 spinning rod (9', 1/2-2 oz lures) for five years for kings, silvers and winter steelhead (plus plenty of biggish saltwater critters). Cabela's also lists an 8'6" 3/8-3/4 oz, 8-12 lb line rod (SS864) if you want to go lighter.

I really worked the SS906 hard and was very pleased with its performance. It was light and had a responsive tip, with plenty of backbone. (Even with 20lb mono and a locked drag I didn't break the rod and managed to stop a few bruisers from getting into the timber, and drag a few more out that didn't manage to get a full wrap around a limb or root.)

The only negative feature of this rod is that the guides are brittle and it's easy to lose a chip out of one if you bang or drop the rod. (At different times I had to replace both the tip top and stripper guides.)

This past April, the rod died a hero's death by breaking under the ferrule when I set the hooks on a steelhead (lost the fish, dang!). At $80 in the 1998 catalog it isn't a giveaway but it's a good rod (the SS864 is also $80). I will definitely buy another.

I also own another similar Cabela's rod, the Fish Eagle III (CHMS906) in 9' (1/2-2 oz, 10-20lb line). This cost $160 and for my money the IM7 Tourney Trail is at least as good a rod and certainly better value-for-money! (For this kind of dough, next time I'll pay the extra and step up to Loomis and the like.)

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I agree with snagly. Cabelas makes some very nice rods for the price.. These will meet or beat the best name brand rods. You can save a few bucks if you watch for there clearance sales. I would pick a rod that matches the size line you will be using.

STLHDR,

Though his poles are fine for Fall/Winter, the guy above did not address your need for a low water summer steelhead rod.

Here are some things to consider:

1) You will be fishing light line if you are fishing effectively (6-8lb test) therefore, you need a slow action rod( a whippy rod that arcs evenly from tip to butt). This will act like a shock absorber with plenty of give when a fish runs on you.

2) A rod of 9-10 feet makes a nice lever with light line; again, the shock absorber principle.

I personally use a G. Loomis GL3 1141. It is 9 1/2 feet long and rated for 4-8 test. Unfotunately, Loomis only offers it as a spinning pole anymore or as a blank. I drift fish in the classic sense so I bought the blank and made it into a casting rod. I love it and have landed steelhead over 20lb.s with it. If you know what you are doing and know what to do with a fish when hooked, this pole will handle any fish in low summer water. Great feel too.

Now, my partner uses Loomis's 9 foot pole rated 6-10 lb test and does just as well.

Finally, Lamiglass has recently come out with some nice action poles in 9 1/2 foot lengths for the same purposes. More affordable too.

However, I am a believer that you get what you pay for in the long run therefore, I fish G. Loomis. Lamiglass would be a close second.

Good luck.

Hey STLHDR, Something else to take into consideration is the warranties on all rods. I know some of the Cabela rods do & don't have warranties. Some of the expensive fly rods have a 25 year warranty. Not sure about the casting rods. I fish Loomis & Lamiglass for this reason. I bought a Loomis seconds blank in central Oregon 6 years ago & the factory has replaced it with a new rod twice. (& like I said, it was a 2nd) So like Eric said "you get what you pay for" is so true. Save your money for a couple months. In the long run you'll be glad you did. Good luck. Ric

I have broken cabelas rods. I called customer service and they promptly replaced the rods. (Cabela's keeps computer records on your purchases. They can refund or replace with equal value if your unhappy)One rod broke on a big fish trying to beach in tight quarters. It was definitely my fault, but they had no problem with replacing it. I got the fish :-)

Thanks to all who replied to my post. After much consideration I decided to go with the G Loomis STR1082. I also firmly believe you get what you pay for and think this should work out. Thanks again.
Tight Lines
Mark

Steely, You picked the perfect rod and you won't be dissappointed I fish steelhead all year long and these are may favorite stick's, hopefully you spent the extra money for the IMX models, Damn good choice Go get em'