I went up to the Frasier River in canada this weekend for Sockeye and Springers. I found the conditions and method of fishing completely over matched me. The Frasier is a BIG, Fast river. You had to throw 4 oz lead balls to stay down. Eveyone seemed to have 10 ft or longer rods and big reels. Alot of guys were using braided line. All of my rods and reels are for smaller rivers and more traditional drifting techniques....my question is this.....what would you recommend I acquire to handle thiese conditions for next year?

I used a Loomis STR 1265c gl2.Ten and a half foot, 10 to 20lb line rating with a Shimano bantam 50 loaded with 20 #max green.I could also recomend the Loomis SAR 1265c gl2.That has a line rating up to 40#.Good stick also.

If you go with the braided lines,any good steelhead reel would work because line capacity would not be an issue.

I've noticed most of the locals up there run custom Sage rods.look to be anywhere from 10 to 12 feet in length .Heavy action with extended fore grips to hang on to the big fish the Canadians grow up there.Seem to be the reel of choice is the Calcutta 400.

Maybe some of our Canadian brothers could fill us in on what Sage blanks they are building up there.It would be nice to use a good stick where the ceramic inserts do not bust out when you hang up using that big gear up there

HMMMMMM, why buy a gl-2 Reiter rat when you can buy an allstar which is a better rod at a cheaper price? I say go with an allstar 1264 with a curado and braided line and you will be just fine. Last time I fished up there we only used one oz of lead and bounced the bottom just fine, good luck and have fun!!
Superfly

any other ideas?
Superfly, I am going to check out the AllStar this year, I think I'm looking for a 10'-10'6", 17-20 lb....any on the drawing boards?