I'm looking at buying a new steelhead drift rod. I fish mainly medium-to-large rivers, both out of a boat and on the bank. The flows are typically medium-to-fast. I'll be throwing slinkies (usually 8 .250 shot) with corkies, spinners and eggs. I would also like to use it for fishing floats. I'm looking at the IMX's, GL3's and Esprit Concepts. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Hard to go wrong with an 1143c. 9.5', 8 - 12# Great all-around steelhead rod for drift fishing or using floats.

I don't know if Loomis makes an IMX 1143c, but you could have a Rainshadow blank custom built for you at less cost than a factory GL3.

Loomis does make an 1143C IMX version currently. It used to only be offered in a GL3 version a few years ago. I splurged on one over the summer of '03. I agree with 4-salt. My favorite all around drift rod.

This guy builds some sweet rods and is a board advertiser

http://www.thcustomrods.com/

jerry's right i went with a THCUSTOM rainshadow 1025 sweet rod cant go wrong there

My favorite rod is my Rainshadow 1143.

I thnik 10' is a mimimum for fishing floats. In fact, both Bill Herzog and I love 10 and 10 1/2 foot rods for drift fishing. Try on ans see if you dont like it too. I thnik you will love the added line control, the hook setting power, and the added casting distance.

Have TH tie you up one of the new Sage blanks ... oh my, :slobber: :slobber:

Another TH fan here. Travis will build you a sweet rod at a great price. I love mine.

Another vote for TH.
The Sage rods he wrapped are very nice, cheaper then some of the stock rods.
I like Loomis 1143 off the shelf .

My new TH Sage GSH 290 just came in yesterday.

All I can say is "OH MY GAWD"! That is one truly sweet rod!

Travis and his Dad are master rod builders and should seriously be considered for your next rod. Sage, Loomis, Rainshadow, etc.

If I could do it all over again, I'd gladly trade in all of my rods for an equivalent TH made rod!

Parker, your gonna love that rod.

I bought a TH Sage 290 last fall and love the rod... ...I like it so well, I'm working on buying a second one right now!

Don't even get me started RR. I'm at work, away from home and the new rod, yet I still drool thinking about that rod.



Truly a work of art.

Too bad Loomis doesn't make a quality rod any more. My IMX's don't even come remotely close to the quality and craftsmanship of this rod.

Oh, and here's a special photo for you RR. My kid got a bath at her day care house. The care giver is a COOOOG, and this was the only dry piece of clothes she could find for her.

It's obvious from the look on my daughters face, that she also despises anything COOOG! The photo cracked me up! Enjoy!



Oh, and you can guarantee that you'll see this photo again come closer time to Apple Cup!

This is excellent advice. Probably the best all-round rod there is for steelheading the NW>

If I were to start all over again, and I wanted the best for the money, I would buy a Berkely IM7 from GI Joes this week for 54.99 in the 8-12 casting. Nice rod, good feel, and I like the exposed blank handle.
I would then consider upgrading to a TH custom in an 1143 configuration.
I have an older Loomis 1084 GLX that is sweet but I wouldn't buy one new again.
Not with the other choices out there.
Good luck!

I sure like the Rainshadow blanks...
they are as good as it gets for the $$$$

Speaking on $$$ if you have a little extra the Sage blanks are worth a look.. those looking for a high end rod, this is it!

I agree with TH Rainshadow make a high quality blank for the money. Sage is a little spendy, but they have the looks in their graphite, sweet looking.

I may have to go with the Sage because I just bought one a couple of hours ago. Custom 9' 6-12 lb. Fortunately, I got it for a steal! Tomorrow I'm picking up my Willie DB! Who cares about the high water.

At Cabelas you can get a Fish Eagle XML/Stradic combination for a steal. FE XML 10 ft, 8-15 lb, rod and Stradic 4000 spinning reel for $219. The reel goes for $139 which means you're paying $79 for the rod. Last year they had these rods for $129 each and if you bought two you would get one free. I recommend getting the butt counter weights for $10.

rainshadow 1143 is a great choice i have a variety of rainshadow rods and i love them all.check out their website www.batsonenterprises.com and look at the blank catalog and check out the selection. you will be better off deciding the length and action rod that is right for your criteria.
good luck, cs

Just ordered a rod from Travis at TH Custom rods. 10'6" 6-15lb Sage! Thanks to all of you for the input on the emails! Now all I have to do is figure out how to hide it from the wife! I am sure I will figure out! Can't wait until I get the rod! Just posted my 1263C on EBAY!