PP Members:

I have spent the last year or so saving cash to have someone custom-build me the "ultimate, big-steelhead drift rod." I want something in a fast-action, rated for 6-17# line, in the 9-9.5' range, with 9.5 being very preferable.

I don't want anything under 9'. I'm not a huge Lami fan (fine rods, but I don't care for 'em), and the G.Loomis str 1165c feels dead and "off" each time I've picked one up, so Lami and Loomis are out.

Sensitivity, then length, in that order, are my biggest concerns. I've submitted this question (and PMs) on here several times and received great responses. Since this will end up as a $500.00 venture for me, at least, I would like some opinions from better fisherman one more time before I drop that kind of cash.

After reviewing responses and scouring the internet for hours, looking at reviews, I have narrowed it down to two custom-builds: 1) North Fork Composites' st905-2c IM (9', 8-17#, fast); and 2) Sage's 296 (9'6" 6-15#, fast). This will be strictly a drift rod.

Since there is a Canadian company selling the 296 blanks again, this rod entered the discussion recently after I had previously settled on the NFC rod. I want the most sensitive blank out there (in the 6-17# rating), since I need all the help I can get; sensitivity if my main priority.

However, I prefer 9'6" or longer rods, since I bank-fish Idaho's Clearwater, which is huge water and longer rods help control the drift there. If the Sage is comparable sensitivity-wise to the NFC, that will be the custom-build, but if the NFC is significantly more sensitive, I will trade the extra length.

To any who have fished either, or both rods, I would appreciate some comments/suggestions, so I won't have to bother anyone with the same question ever again. If there is a rod I am overlooking, please let me know, but I think these two are the ticket. Thanks for any replies.

I own a ST 905-2 (IM) and have built up many of them. Its a great blank and I think it would be everything you are looking for. The blank has a nice action and plenty of power. Another option is the new 964 (HM). Its a 9'6", 8-12 lb High Modulus blank that has quite a bit more backbone than my 962x (HM) but a little less than the 905. Only advantage would be the extra sensitivity you would get from the (HM) material. It might be a little light for what you are looking for though. That blank is not on NFC site but I have built a few of them and they are sweet blanks.

Another thing to think about is the components you use when you have your rod built. You want to maximize the sensitivity coming from the blank to get the most out of your investment. Good luck!

10' Lamiglas XMG custom built by Don Burgess has been my go to for everything...

ALPS guides... best bang for you buck
Schaefer reel seat... classic look, won't strip out

I've built 2 Sage rods (baitcasters) and have been very satisfied with the performance. The blanks are top-of-the-line for craftsmanship, feel and durability.

Loomis STR 1165C. Look no further.

xst1264 great heavy drift/spoon rod that can take any steelhead from the bank.

Steelheader 316 can u give me the person in canada that has that specific blank sir.

Anyways, here's I have owned both rods custom. This one is the NFC 905 9ft 8-17 and custom sage 290 9ft 8-15 and then the 290 factory rod.

After breaking a sage 290 which was completely my fault, I had to send it to sage and purchase another tip for it but I also went on to buy another complete blank to be custom made. After fishing both custom rods ive caught many on both but the sensitivity and feel on my sage 290 is better. I can feel the vibration on the sage better and not second think a bite, I often say fish on before setting the hook. On the NFC at times I feel im snag on line and set the hook thinking it is a fish from the pull like effect that happens, on the sage I know its line from the tiny vibration. Both rods are built similar with out the front cork so it doesnt dampen sensitivity. Both rods run the same line, hooks, and I just put the same weight from the sage to the NFC and the feel and sensitivity was better. I went 2 for 5 after I got my factory sage back in a span of an hour fishing beside a guy who was wondering what was going on because he didnt touch anything. Thats the picture with the two fish, I had to test it out after getting it back immediately. In conclusion I was gonna just use the NFC for salmon rod but in the end sold it to a friends dad. I now use the 290 for salmon and the custom 290 for steelhead. Now ive been looking for someone in canada that supplied the 296 so I can build one as a spinning setup. Here u are its ur turn to return the favor please. haha

Sea-Run Fly & Tackle


Here's there post in the classified adds

Thats funny Jermz because thats where I got my 290 blank. I did asked them if they had the 296 like a few months back and they didnt. Also looking of they had that 6-10 9'ft 6inch SP196. Will have to msg them again.

I love my sage 296, have had it for a few years now, the only weakness I have found is its a little weak in heavy water

Thanks for the replies guys, I appreciate it. Countdown, Jermz post contains the link to the company I'm talking about.

I went thru the same search, but in the 9' class. Now this was before NFC was on the scene. I purchased the factory Sage CR 290, also had DCR build me a top of the line Batson XST 1085c.

As to drift fishing in medium to medium-heavy water I prefer the XST over the Sage. The XST has a crisper action that transfers the steelheads bite better, but that is me. The 290 makes a sweet spoon rod IMHO & is nice as a softer action drift rod.

I have always wanted to fish the Sage 296, but never have, that being said add the Batson XST 1144 to your short list its 9 '6" and is rated for lines 10-17 lb.


c/22