I've had plans to buy this rod for jig fishing and freedrifting bait. Is this the rod for the job?

Also, would a spinning version be the best since I'm casting little or no weight?

Matt

If you plan to use little weight, or bobbers for jig fishing id suggest a spinning rod.
i have a loomis 1143 and it's a great all around rod for coho and steelhead... I hear loomis is coming out with a 1143 spinning rod in november, and i will buy this rod if/when it comes out just for jig fishing.....

If you dont want to go with a loomis you can pick up a rainshadow or an all-star 1143 for less money.

1143= great rod

Rip I just recently bought the 1143 and the rod is awsome i'm very satisfied with the rods performance. I matched the rod with a curodo 200 BSF reel and can cast very light presentations a long ways if I have it in mind to do so. As for fishing jigs it also works really well. I broke the rod in fishing for springers on the kalama and the rod had no problems with the fish that were caught. So anyway thats my 2 cents worth and good rod shopping to you. Drift

For jigs, a spinning rod is the only way to go. I'll fish for money against anyone who says different!

The 1143 is a great Rod, Allstar already makes both versions, the spinning and the casting.
Suggested retail is 119.95 , very affordable with a lifetime warranty.
Peace Superfly

Matt --- Something to think about since you are in the SW Washington area. The North River rods at Fisherman's Marine are of adequate quality, cost about $70, and they also make them in 9 and 9.5 foot spinning. The big plus is that if they break for any reason, the exchange for your choice of rod (it could be different) takes about 3 minutes. That is kinda hard to beat.

I had TH make me an 1143 spinning GL3 a few years back and I love it. Got it for a good price too. Although I'm unsure if he's still doing Loomis rods these days. It's still my favorite rod for jigs and little or no weight even after picking up a couple other more traditional float rods here and there.

Bruce

Any one compare the 1143 spin to the 1083 spin rods?

I've got the 1083's. Might consider the 1143, but I'd have to try one first.

Parker, they're really very similar but the 1143 has a little faster action with more backbone. For a summertime/hatchery rod, the 1083 is more fun but it gets a little torqued on bigger nates, silvers or when adding more weight. But I do know a guy who fishes his 1083 pretty much year round from Portland to Smithers....

The 1143 is a sweet rod! I also recently got 2 Loomis 1173's with a regular spinning handle (they usually come with a short rear grip and long fore grip). Same line rating as the 1143 and a tad longer at 9'9". They work great for chasing Steelies and I really like them for Boondoggin'. Those rods will be out with the regular spinning handle in late fall/early winter from Loomis.

I've used my Allstar 1141 for those specific purposes and anyone who's tried it want one. Finding them is a bit of a challenge though.......