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jig and float fishing? Any opinions or input? They make a 9' light power that weighs 5.4 ounces. I believe it is a moderate action as opposed to fast. Since I fish for steelhead occasionally, I thought I might get one or two and use them for both species.
I have been saying for years that the so called "steelhead rod" is a great all-round rod.
In related news, the BASS guys dropped the 8' rod length limit from their rules. Consequently, I read a recent In-Fisherman article that mentioned how the BASS pros have discovered how good the -- wait for it -- steelhead rod is for finesse fishing.
To answer your question, yes, it would be great for float fishing. It's just a long spinning rod that works great in a lot of situations.
as has been the case for years, you've always been there with a reply and some help. I really appreciate your advice and your willingness to share knowledge.
I have used a eagle claw blue diamond graphite for 25 yrs on various fish and it’s still going strong. (9’). It just happens to be a favorite rod to fish with. I find myself putting it in storage every time I use it for a while, but when I see it, throw it back in the boat as can’t get away from it. :cheers2 It’s a beater of a rod and the st. Croix has to be a better rod. Enjoy!
Been fishing stealhead rods for all species for more than 35 years. 5.4 is a little too heavy for my liking though.
I love fishing 9' steelhead noodle rods for jig and cork gill/ear fishing.
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wick, could you suggest a lighter rod? I'm open to ideas.Quote:
Originally Posted by wicklundrh
I would have one custom built. I've purchased a hand full over the years (off the shelf) and all of them but one were extremely heavy.
A ton of steelhead rods in Michigan are built from fly rod blanks. AT (American Tackle) blanks are light weight and won't break the bank. 4 and 5 weight are some of the popular ones. Another really good one is North Fork Composites. All those are Gary Loomis creations and are designed on float and fly/bottom bouncing as opposed to repurposed fly rods.
The gold standard here in Michigan has been Sage. 35 years ago, a two piece 10'6" Sage blank would run aeound 200 bucks. Most shops sold them for 350.
Unfortunately today, they don't market 2 piece rods although you can still get one from them. I still have 2 older rods and a brand new blank they sent to replace one that was 30 years old and had issues. Talk about support! On the down side, a good sage blank starts around 400 and goes UP from there.
AT fly blanks and North Fork blanks would be my choice. Hope that helps you.
If interested, head over to the rod building forum. You might just get the itch for a nee hobby!
I use the St. Croix Premier series rods for Crappie, Walleye, Smallmouth, and Northern Pike. I pair them to Shimano Sedona or Sahara reels. I haven't broken a rod or reel in 15 + years. The Premier series has plenty of backbone for most fresh water species of fish. I use the ultra-lights for Crappie and the Medium Action rods for Walleye, Smallies, and Northern. I have caught 10+ pound catfish on my crappie rods. Had them rods bent over in two more times than I can count and never broke a rod or a eye. Last weekend I hooked into an Asian Carp with my Crappie rod and didn't have any trouble getting him to the boat, even with 4 lb. mono. He pulled line like crazy, but 15 minutes later he was in the boat. I hate them slimy things.
IMHO- you can't go wrong with the St. Croix lines. If you ever get the change, make the trip to the Park Falls plant and watch them build rods. they also sell factory seconds in the store for half price. You can buy everything they carry at the factory store. Great product, and most of them are made in the USA. What isn't made in the US is made in Mexico, not China.
I agree with you on S.C. Premiers. I've a rack filled with them. fwiw, the Triumph I'm referring to is a 9 foot light power rod for fishing Steelhead. The closest in the Premier line is an 8 or 8.5 light power but there is definitely not enough muscle in the butt section for Steelhead. I wanted to use the rod for both panfish and Steel.
I hear ya. Steelhead are a bigger fish and need a good rod with backbone. I think you would really be pushing the limits at both ends. Crappie are generally 1-2 pounds, Steelhead can get up to 50 pounds, averaging about 8 pounds. The trouble your going to run into is matching line weight and lure weight to the reel/rod combo. You will be hard pressed to use high strength superlines for Crappie and you will be hard pressed to bring a 50 pound Steelhead on 4 pound mono. That assumes you can find a reel that can be spooled with both lines.
The other issue you face is rippin lips. A strong backbone rod won't flex enough and you may rip the hook out of the mouth every time you set the hook.
You would be better off using two rods, one geared for Crappie and the other geared for Steelhead. Have you checked out the St. Croix Salmon/Steelhead series line of rods?
I think you may be confusing steelhead and salmon. The world record salmon is under 30 pounds and a really big lake erie trib chrome is close to 20. The rod I am referring to is a light power with a softer moderate action. The rod is rated for 4-8 lb test. In weight, it is lighter some of the B&M rods. I was just curious if any of the guys who fish Steelhead Alley use their rods for slabs also.
Caveat: I've never caught a steelhead in my life. (Darn it.)Quote:
Originally Posted by rapman1
That said, I think it would work for crappie. Years ago, I ordered a couple of Cabela's steelhead rods, a medium and a medium light. (I bought two because I couldn't handle them in the store, so I wasn't sure which action I would like best.)
I planned on using the rod for bass. The medium turned out to be perfect. I thought the medium light was a little too light, but I thought it would make a great crappie/bluegill rod. I'm guessing the rod you're looking at would work, also.
Attachment 316448
This is what I think of when you say steelhead. Maybe I am confusing it with another species?
I've come to find out that others have been using them for years. I will stay true to the steel discipline by running a six pound mainline and four pound flouro or straight four pound mono.Quote:
Originally Posted by deathb4disco
I have been using a long rod for 20 years. Mostly used for float fishing..I use an 'Adjust-a-Bubble' float..sometimes for pulling small minnow style crank baits.
My rods are by HT, and I have two 9', and one 10'. Try it.
Are these steelhead triumph rods made in mexico too? I have many st croix rods and refuse to buy any of the lines made in Mexico. I guess it matters to me more than others.
St. Croix is one of the very few US rod makers. Most crappie tackle is made in China.Quote:
Originally Posted by micorps
not all st croix rods are made in the u.s. Take the new mojo yak for example. That is made in fresnillo, mexico. Other lines of rods from st croix were also made in mexico and stamped as such including the triumph freshwater rods, but unsure of the steelhead triumph. My legends, tournament walleyes, avids, etc are made in the usa. It in unavoidable buying solely u.s. But i will do so if i have the choice.Quote:
Originally Posted by deathb4disco
Yep. Mexico. I'm not sure why this question would an opinion or expressed disdain for imported goods. Most anglers cannot afford legends or even avids. Most panfish anglers fish the for the sport, not carrying if their tackle carries a superior name. Are you aware that a good percentage of the parts in your car are imported? Your electronics? Your clothing? Some of your food? Though I own some St. Croix rods, I'll never try to make someone feel less for what they use. Chances are that they are a much better fisherman than I. What someone uses is just not that important nor is their preference of domestic or import. B&M and Wally Marshall rods, used by a lot of pros, are made in China. My OP was if anyone used this model or rod or ''noodle'' type rods for crappie.
I would reread my post, i was stating my preference and correcting misinformation. I dont care what they use, i was merely asking if steelhead rod was also made in mexico and that i do not buy other models made there. misinterpretation at its finest. You did ask for "opinions and input" right?Quote:
Originally Posted by rapman1
Opinions on using this specific model or steelhead rods over all for crappie was the subject. You stated you won't use Mexican made rods and then listed all of the rods you use, none being the longer rods that I inquired about. Not even sure how this fits into the discussion. But, as is often the case on the internet, misinterpretation is often the case. FWIW, you have some nice sticks. Also, FWIW, I'm of Social Security and Medicare age so what I use these days isn't really important anymore. I'm just glad to be able to get out once in a while.
not sure if time is on your side or not, but if it is i would probably wait for a sale on the g loomis e6x steelhead rod if i was in the market. I have one but not the steelhead spinning rod and like it alot for walleyes that i got on sale. they also have different vrsion of the model to get a more tailored rod to what your targeting. Dont get me wrong, there is no way i would pay retail for any of these rods, but patiently wait for sales and usually get 25-40%, but on rods like this the sales seem to be once a year, and we are starting to get into that time for sales again before winter. Example being i got around $80 off on the e6x and pulled the trigger at that price. I watch places like fishusa and tacklewarehouse, among others waiting for a desirable sale.Quote:
Originally Posted by rapman1
St. Croix has discount racks at the factory store in Park Fall, WI. All factory seconds, mostly due to finishing blemishes. Selection changes daily. Worth the trip if you can the drive.
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I'm 64 and drive for a living. I plan on having a lot more time on this rock, God willing. I'll not drive 700 miles to save 75 bucks. lol By spending 60 more I can by a Wild RIver (USA) made by St.Croix. fwiw