I'm new to this forum, so I don't know if this subject has been covered or not, my apologies if it has. My dad wants to get into salmon and steelhead fishing with me (I'm still learning also) and asked me to do some research on a good rod/reel combo. I'm asking some advice for your favorite rods and reels at any price range. What brands and models do you guys (and girls) fish. I'm thinking he'll want a spinning combo for kings and steelies; spoons, spinners, drifting, etc. We'll be fishing the North Umpqua river from the bank. Thanks (in advance) for your advice.

----predator--one------< )))>{

[This message has been edited by predator one (edited 05-15-2000).]

[This message has been edited by predator one (edited 05-15-2000).]

Best single rod/reel combo for steelheading? How about:

Loomis GL3 1024 rod with a Shimano Currado reel: about $380

Best rod/reel for the money? How about:

Berkeley Air 7 (8-12 lb) with an Ambassadeur 5500 reel: about $145

For spinning, sub a Shimano Sahara 2000 ($50 or so). If you think your going to really get into it, casting reels are the way to go. The Berkeley is the only standard taper steelhead rod that I would buy that is under $100. Some good noodle rods run less.

[This message has been edited by obsessed (edited 05-16-2000).]

For a rod id go with a lamiglas medium and just about any shimano reel.

For a good starter outfit my vote would go for the berkley with the shimano baitcaster stay away from the corsair ,check out the eagleclaw graphites they're priced in the 60$ range not a bad starter at all.My brother likes his and hasn't moved up yet...go figure? I own 2 lamiglass yet my rod of choice is the Berkley series 1# good luck tight lines

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Row Quietly and fish a Catraft( formerly Steelheader boy)
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Howdy Ya'll.The lommis 1024 is way to light for salmon.I would go with a GL3-1025 it is 8-17lb. And is an all around good rod for salmon and winter steelhead its a little heavy for summer run steel.Go with a ambassaduer 4600or5600 C4. or a Shimano corsair.I use a GL3-1143 mounted with a 4600 C4 for summer steel and a GL3-1025 mounted with a 5600C4 for kings and winter steel.I dont jig fish much so these combos work well for me.I costom build rods if your interested let me know. fshmn101@cs.com

Thanks so far, G Loomis sounds good, I think I'll build one to keep costs down and for the fun of it. My dad is definitely not a begginer, he just hasn't been at it in a long while. He used to flyfish for steelies, but he can't now due to shoulder injuries. We both want something of excellent quality, I recently purchased the Shimano Stradic ($115) what a great reel. Hey RT I know you got about 20 cents to pitch in, just try to keep it under 5 pages . Keep you input coming.

----predator--one------< )))>{

If you go with loomis try D&E rods down in Battleground they have lots of overstock blanks for half price.Give them a call they will tell you what they have.K-----<")(((<{

B-bouncer,

It's funny you mention that cause I was just there. I bought 2 (I couldn't resist getting one for myself) GL4 ST1025 for $82 each. Incredible. Why would anyone buy a rod off the shelf when they can get these kinds of deals. Reel Truth, forget your expensive rods arguement, check out D&E!!!
A little work and a chance to be creative and make the exact rod that you want is not a hassle to me, it's an opportunity!! Maybe this is one of those best kept secrets of the S&S Forum that I just stumbled upon!! The word is out guys better stock up before they're gone.

----predator--one------< )))>{

Is there a warranty with those rods? If so, what's it say?

You mean a GL3....GL4 is flyrod only...They have great prices at D&E. Hope I helped!!!!

Not sure about the warranty. I assumed that it was a G4 because when I talked with the owner (I didn't catch his name) he said it was above the G3 line but below an IMX, normal retail for the blank was listed at $206. I'm not really sure what gloomis calls that. I do know it was a ST1025 which is what's important. I haven't told my dad about it yet, figured it would make a great early fathers day gift.

By the way, about summer stealhead, I'd rather go with a rod a little to heavy than one to light. I fished next to a guy the other day who told me about a summer steelie he caught last year. I saw the photo later, 30lbs!!!!!!! What a rocket! Like I said I'd rather go with a rod a little on the heavy side than let a beauty like that get away.

What did you guys expect from the Mighty North Umpqua river...???

----predator--one------< )))>{

[This message has been edited by predator one (edited 05-16-2000).]

yeh,my vote goes for the loomis IMX1025c,and a calcutta great all around combo,well good luck on building your rod.

FISH ON!!!

The owners name is Vern Dollar.

Pred.1,

One word. Shakespear. RT