I have always been a conventional guy, most of my rods being Lamiglas with a couple of loomis rods sprinkled in. I'm thinking about trying out center pin rod, and recommendations on brands and models for NorCal, including the Smith?

Thank you.

WHAT I'D DO........buy a "down priced model".....like Shakespeare, Shimano, Okuma......can normally pick one up for less than $100.00......try the combination out.......hell you might not even like "center pin'ing".

I have 2 13' rods......1 is Lamiglas, 3 piece.....that is no long being made, by Lamiglas.

The other is a Custom made Rainshadow, that is made just for a "center pin reel"......but I use Shimano Stratics 2500 or 3000 on both these rods.

While I've thought about a "center pin reel", at my ago, not sure I want to invest in another reel.

Oh....the Shakespeare and the Shimano, I have are both 10 1/2 ', and I still use both......either for "jack's" or for twitching........twitching REALLY puts a strain on these rods..........but it's really fun. When I'm twitching.....I'm in a boat, so I'm able to chase a fish, if need be.

Good luck!!!!

Shimano clarus 13' 8-12#

I spin mine up on spey blanks...I haven't found any of the factory rods I've casted to be nearly as good.

Fish on...

Todd

For most west coast rivers you should consider a float rod between 10' 6" and 13', at least 6-10# (1/4 - 1/2 oz) or better depending on quarry. The shorter length has some advantages from a boat or on smaller tribs, but the 13' is a very versatile and easiest casting length for a center pin. The cheaper commercial rods like the Shimano and Okuma are decent performers and an excellent value, but they are also heavier, less responsive (crisp), have mediocre components and virtually no resale value. Moving up, there is the Raven IM6-IM9 series, as well as Lamiglas, St. Croix, Loomis GLX and Kingpin. GLX and KP are nice but on the light side. Really serious center pinners typically end up with a custom rod built on something like a Rainshadow, NFC, CTS or Sage blank for lighter weight, better action, improved ergonomics and superior components. Some prefer conversion spey blanks for their power, moderate action and 4 pc design. If you want something significantly better than a low end commercial rod, but aren't ready to jump into that uber high end float rod category, you can't do better than Batson's Rainshadow XST 1562-3 blank for steelhead/salmon on west coast rivers IMO. Depending on components you could easily have one built for considerably less than a comparable high end commercial float rod. Also some relly good deals can be had on used Rainshadow and Raven medium power rods on float forums, mainly because some GL fishermen build or buy them for "chinnies" but then don't fish them enough.

Fenwick elite tech have a decent center pin rod.

I know quite a few guys who are happy with the Shimano Clarus.