BEST STEELHEAD ROD UNDER $100? SHIMANO COMPRE STEELHEAD / SALMON ROD - FIELD TEST AND REVIEW

[@Dream-season]

I’ve been waiting for a better review of this rod … thanks for posting!

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thanks you! Even though I mostly use G.Loomis rods, I’m always curious about new gear. Especially the gear I recommend to friends and viewers, I want first hand experience with it first.

[@AutomagicFishing]

Thanks for the detailed review! I just fished the same rod last month. Ty brought it with him when we fished together. Not a bad rod!

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thanks for the feedback. It’s definitely a step above the other rods in that price range.

[@asully70]

Love Shimano! If you want to go dirt cheap I’m going Okuma Celilo something in the 6-12lb range. You can get a decent steelhead rod/reel for less than $150 if you catch stuff on sale. I’ve owned a couple Celilos as “back up” rods and I absolutely love them. I’ve got a 10-30lb rod and I’ve caught everything from Surf Perch to Chinook on it and everything in between.

[@miketakahashi5550]

I agree 100%! I like my Celilo more than some of my more expensive rods.

[@RAGEFISHING]

Maybe I’ll do a Celilos gear review next year! 😁

[@righteousriverfishinginoregon7]

I love a 10'6" float rod but I'm now searching for longer 11.5-13' steelhead float rod. I have an 11'4" Edge rod on order, but am still trying to find another good option. I just bought an Eagle Claw Wright and McGill 10'6" float rod for a good price because my old medium action one is beast and only cost about $70 but the tip on the new rod is also flimsy like the one you reviewed. I'm not a fan of that soft rod tip. Good video thanks. I had been looking at that Shimano rod and will not buy it based on your recommendation.

[@RAGEFISHING]

Glad it helped!

[@jasongundros1422]

I did not know this rod model had a steelhead version. I've used the Compre spinning, in the one pice blank 6ft+ for bass fishing for years, and have been happy with its performance .

[@RAGEFISHING]

Oh! That’s good to know. I haven’t shopped for bass gear in a long time, I’ll check them out. This line is pretty new, I first heard about them at the start of winter steelhead season from Ty Wyatt. I was eager to try them out.

[@jasongundros1422]

Ya, I bought my first one back in 2006 they were only about $70 back then, and the cork wasn't as nice as the new ones .

[@RAGEFISHING]

@jasongundros1422 interesting, I didn’t know they had previous models. I thought this was a completely new line up.

[@williamcooke6056]

Well, the castability you speak of carries a lot of weight with me. I had been giving the same recommendation as you with the X-11, which I still use as my big water 10.5 ft float rod. It is kind of "clunky" now that you've mentioned it! Great description! It sounds like Shimano uses quality guides! It is a fine looking rod for that price range. I I always had thought that "tip wrap" to be a result of bad line. I never considered the tip itself! You always broaden my perspectives, and make me a better fisherman. I am now looking at my rod tips to see if I can spot any potential issues. Did you consult with your financial advisor prior to casting the Pen Tac 24K Gold spinner? 🤑 I know you build your own, but I'll tell you that I am careful what spots I use those in, being on a budget and all. They do have an amazing finish. Ok, enough being Mr. Smarty Pants. Knowing you as I have come to over the seasons, I expected a thorough product review, and you surely didn't disappoint once again. I actually got a call yesterday from a friend who had recently been exposed to steelhead fishing on a guided trip and wanted to put together a first time set-up that wouldn't break the bank. We are getting together for a venison dinner next week. This review will be featured during our get together. I had already planned to show him several of your instructional video series, as you put it all together which I've noticed helps those new to this type of fishing to more quickly understand the concepts. And I tend to forget crucial points only to add them later, out of context, which slows the learning process, unless we are on the water, where it naturally comes to me. Either way, you tell it better than I can. Reviewing your videos always helps me prepare for an upcoming season. You made a point about your preference for cork handles that resonated with me. I had a couple beloved rods stolen from my truck canopy at McGiver County Park on the Clackamas one summer, a 9.5 ft 8-12 IMX casting, my all-time favorite, being one of them. I stopped at the Edge factory in Woodland, ending up getting a 10 ft, 8-17 First Strike casting, and a 9.5 ft 6-10 Black Widow spinning. The Black Widow handle I feel is ok, but I don't really care for the First Strike handle much. I have since been able to get a used IMX of the same weight and length to replace my favorite rod😃. So I'm agreeing with your cork assessment 100%! And the Coup de Gra, a steelhead to cap off the review in classic Barry Rager style! A fitting end to another On-Point review! Sweet! Thanks once again, my friend! Appreciate your efforts!

[@RAGEFISHING]

@williamcooke6056 thank you William for the detailed comment, it’s always appreciated. When preparing this video, I tried to answer all the questions I would have about a new rod on the market. I’m glad you found a replacement for your IMX! I have several Loomis rods I love that are no longer made. I’d hate to lose one of them to a thief. And thanks for sharing my content, that’s also appreciated! 😊

[@OregonFishingAdventures]

I was just looking at these rods recently on Amazon

[@RAGEFISHING]

They are nice rods, I’m surprised how many models they have in the line up, all for a hundred bucks.

[@jacobhamm6889]

Awesome review

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thank you! 🎣

[@loganfishbeard]

The bi-mart special, okuma cascade pros' are on sale for $50 right now which is a pretty sore D deal IMHO. I picked up the 10'6" heavy for trolling last fall and I was impressed with the blanks. They definitely skimped on the hardware but if you are just trying to get started or a second setup for your novice buddy, it's something they can bust into three pieces and not even feel bad about. I'm a fan of cork as well. I'm seriously considering picking up a Striker blank and building my own.

[@RAGEFISHING]

Good ol’ Bi-Mart! I spend a lot of time in there. 😁 My buddy John has a couple of the Cascade Pro’s and seems to like them, he is more afraid to part with money than I am. And about cork, that’s all I want for steelhead. I tried the Stryker rods for a few weeks last year and didn’t like the synthetic grip for winter fishing. Synthetics are fine for trolling and maybe a few other applications. But they are heavy! I weighed some rods in my E6X video and realized the X11 and Strykers were about an ounce more than similar cork rods. Thanks for your input! 🎣

[@loganfishbeard]

@@RAGEFISHING What are your thoughts on just the blanks. I was looking at the SH1065-2 for $75. That seemed very reasonable compared to other manufacturers.

[@RAGEFISHING]

@loganfishbeard I only had experience with the 9’9” 8-14 medium / moderate. I believe it’s the 994. It was way too soft of action for my liking, not enough backbone. You can see them in action on my first 2 videos last season; ‘First Steelhead of 2023’ and ‘Reading Water For Success.’ You can see they are bent to the handle. That’s fine if you like that type of action, but I like more backbone; moderate to fast. My new favorite bead rod is the G.Loomis 1145, medium heavy power / fast action. It’s a pleasure to use when catching smaller steelhead, but has the backbone to fight the powerful ones.

[@Benjamin-qr3yx]

Used the rod: feels light and well balanced, but the tip is definitely a little too soft with lures.

[@RAGEFISHING]

For my taste as well, I’m used to fishing lures with a faster tip rod. The quality and weight of the rod feels good otherwise, for the money.

[@Benjamin-qr3yx]

Absolutely: nice rod for the money, and it works very well with floats + 1/8 oz jigs too. I still have to catch a migratory fish , on any rod 😅, but the Compre feels like the right tool for steelhead on small to medium sized tributaries. It maxes out with a Flying-C 5/8 oz , not so much with casting but more with the retrieve - though it is still doable if in a bind - but does very well with 3/8 to 1/2 oz lures. And it seems to have a fairly good amount of reserve power in the blank. Definitely a good buy for the stated purpose and context. 👍

[@Benjamin-qr3yx]

How heavy was the body of that PenTac #4.5 blade on which you caught that steelhead? The current seemed fairly strong.

[@RAGEFISHING]

I just weighed the 4.5 Pen-Tac as I was fishing it. It weighed .478 oz., so just shy of a half ounce. I also weighed a Pen-Tac 4, it weighed .421 oz., so a little heavier than a 3/8 oz. lure. And yes, the current is fairly strong right there.

[@shaunlehman9158]

$299 reel on a $99 rod 🤣 love it

[@RAGEFISHING]

I had to be fair! 😁 Comparing the rod to my G.Loomis Rods which are mostly matched to Vanfords. Love those reels.

[@joshs232]

Do you think the Celilo salmon and steelhead rod is good? What do you think is the best all round rod thats not too expensive?

[@RAGEFISHING]

I don’t have any experience with the Celilo. My recommendation for a decent budget level is this rod, the Compre. Another option is the Lamiglas X11. I’ve been using an Okuma SST for Surf Perch and am not a fan, they are heavy and feel clunky. I most likely will be selling them or using them for loaners. I have some Okuma Guide Selects for Salmon trolling, they seem like good rods. I think it’s ‘get what you pay for.’ If a Celilo is what you can afford, give it a shot. Good luck. 🎣

[@joshs232]

@ Thanks man

[@Ronimancing]

Hadir nyimak keseruan nya bro

[@davidgreer9567]

I have a question. I know the steelhead season is winding down, but would you say odds are still decent to run into one, or should I just start chasing springers. I know it's been a slow start on columbia with all the sea lions piled up, and it closes the 7th. I guess it's a long-winded way to ask Steelhead or springers, lol?

[@RAGEFISHING]

There are still steelhead around for sure, just make sure the river you fish is still open! There are a bunch of rivers open year round for steelhead due to summer runs. I’m switching over, the last few steelhead I caught, including this one, were spawned out. The good news is I have a bunch of awesome footage for December! I don’t want to waste any footage by releasing it now. And you’re right, it’s still on the early end for springers. There are a few. How about bass? I’m editing a bass video for this Friday. I love spring largemouth fishing!

[@martybraga4832]

Are you still allowed to use barbed hooks while steelhead fishing in Oregon?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Yes. At least in all the rivers I fish. There are some ‘fly fishing only with barbless hook’ rivers. You’d have to verify with the regulations.

[@shaunlehman9158]

The E6X trolling rods are $379 are fisherman’s currently 🤦‍♂️ just picked up 2 more for this trolling season

[@RAGEFISHING]

Maybe someday, I’m just getting finished outfitting my new boat for salmon trolling, so I’m starting with some ‘inexpensive’ options. 😬

[@tomhundley2435]

Got a nice 9’ length 6-12lb Scimitar steelhead rod directly from Shimano a year ago on close out for $29 with free shipping. Just the cardboard shipping tube and postage probably cost them $29.00. Deal of the century. Love the rod. As fine in finish, appearance, and features as any $200 rod I’ve ever purchased. Shimano rocks.

[@RAGEFISHING]

That is a steal! And you’re right, if one of us tried shipping a rod it would cost that in shipping costs!

[@Justin-zs1ql]

Love when snags turn into fish🤣

[@RAGEFISHING]

Sure felt like it! 😁 Usually it’s rodeo from the second they grab a spinner, she just stopped it. When I flipped it to get it off the ‘snag’ she hit the accelerator! 🎣