MY 5 FAVORITE STEELHEAD ROD / REEL SETUPS - The best Winter Steelhead Rods and Reels!

[@aj469]

Awesome video man! Great explanation of power in action and how it applies to steelhead fishing specifically. Definitely learn something new there.

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thanks Anthony! Yeah, fast action for drift fishing, hardware and heavier bobber / bead setups. I like the moderate action for my light float and jig rigs. That IMX is a dream!

[@aj469]

@@RAGEFISHING I would love to get into G. Loomis, currently a little too rich for my blood. Right now I like Okuma. Guide select pro GSP-C-922M and the New Generation SST SST-S-902M-CGa. Great rods for the price especially if you catch them on Black Friday or during the sportsman show sales. I like 8-17 lb rating so I can use them both for salmon and steelhead.

[@RAGEFISHING]

@@aj469 I understand, I have slowly made up my collection, like that GL3, I bought it new at Sportsman’s in Salem in 2003. I paid $280 (now $330!) and remember thinking ‘ouch!’ It’s still catching steelhead 18 years later. It replaced my ‘Lightning Rod’ by Berkley, which I still own too, nostalgia if anything. It’s on its 3rd reel too!

[@aj469]

@@RAGEFISHING my first one was a Shakespeare 10 ft 6 wild series. Love that rod unfortunately I snapped it while it was on my pontoon one time. My nostalgia rod I'll keep forever though is my 8-ft 6 ugly stick. Love that rod, it will go on the wall of fame. Do you know of a resource where a person could look up how many smolts are released yearly at specific acclimation sites in Oregon?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Not off hand, seems like if you dig through ODFW’s website, it’s in there somewhere. I’ll see if I can find something.

[@SoloAngling]

You should do another video like this for this year! I’d love to see how your selection has changed this year since you started getting into Stryker rods.

[@RAGEFISHING]

I will put that on my to-do list. Probably for the ‘Steelhead December’ series, that way I have the entire season to figure it out. Thanks for the suggestion. 🎣

[@archit2796]

Thank you Rage! Found both rods in 2020 Loomis catalog under GL3 Drift Series Spinning. I'll have to visit fisherman's to see what rods they have in the Loomis racks. I think the SAR might be a better rod for boat trolling Salmon (Lure rating is 1/2- 1 1/2 oz on SAR, spoons and lures I use are 1/3 to 1/2 oz). Will have to see if I can find all three to compare. Always a good day at the fishing store, even if window shopping for now. Heading out to do recon on new steelhead locations, need the rivers and rain to calm down. Now its snow this weekend.

[@brucemiller5306]

Loved your video. I saw in another comment that you use Fishing Butlers to secure your rods together. Can you add some more detail on how you secure the two pieces? Not the Fishing butler part, but how do you wrap the line with the float and swivels and lure all attached. When I take the two pieces apart with line on the rod, the two pieces don't line up...

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thanks! As for how I use the butlers with a rigged up rod, I let out a little extra line, and put the butt end of second section next to the butt end of the handle, so both tips are up. I put the lower butler on first. If there is enough length for the hook to be secured on the rod’s hook holder, I’ll put it there, but if too long I put the hook on the lower butler bungee cord. Reel up the slack so the line is laying flat along the rod blank and put the second butler on. Hopefully this helps.

[@Warmspringsrezbuck]

Look into the Edge Rods I like them rods also. I also love my Loomis rods for bait casting for salmon

[@RAGEFISHING]

I’ve heard good things about edge, I’m just not a fan of synthetic grips for winter steelhead. I’ve tried Stryker and Lamiglas with synthetics and sold them. I feel that I get a better grip with cork and it doesn’t hold the cold like synthetics. I will definitely check them out if I get the opportunity though. Thanks for the feedback. 🎣

[@jake9705]

What are those things you're using to secure your rod pieces together in storage?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Fishing Butlers, they’re awesome!

[@tomeiland2510]

Great instructive video. Thanks for sharing. Why mono or fluorocarbon for lines rather braid base with a leader?

[@RAGEFISHING]

I do use braid for float fishing in some circumstances. I use it exclusively for bead fishing, and for jig fishing during higher water events. I like straight mono during lower flows for throwing light floats and 1/8 ounce jigs. I can’t get the casting distance with those light setups. Also, mono floats too; some bass anglers use mono for topwater because it floats. Mono is stretchy, unlike braid and you don’t have a splice knot to deal with. Not sure if you watched Friday’s video, ‘MOST EPIC BATTLE’ but that was using that IMX with straight 8# XL. One more thing regarding low flows; larger leaders have more surface area, therefore more drag in the current. I think that 8# XL gets the jig down to the fish quicker and isn’t as affected by current. I may be all washed up, but that’s how I see it. Hope I answered your question! Thanks again!! 👍🏻

[@tomeiland2510]

@@RAGEFISHING Got it. Thanks, Barry. Happy holidays.

[@RAGEFISHING]

You’re welcome! Merry Christmas!

[@Fishwheelspdx]

What do you do to keep the cork looking like new?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Nothing special! I’m a neat freak, so if anything like salmon roe gets on the cork, which is rare because I rarely use that type of bait, I just wash it in the sink with dish soap. I try to take great care of my gear. My steelhead rods live in my office when they are not on the river.

[@MrEchskech]

Best Info and Sideburns in the Biz

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thank you! 🤣

[@MalkavianC]

Asking as a newbie trying to buy multipurpose gear when I can, what other applications might you look at one of these rods for?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Many of my steelhead rods are specialized for one technique, but some can be used for multiple techniques. (You gave me a good video idea too, ‘the most versatile G.Loomis Steelhead Rod.’ 😁) If I only was allowed one to cover all my techniques, it would probably be that E6X 1143, 9’6” spinning rod with a Shimano Vanford 3000 reel. It’s perfect for bead fishing, could double as a float and jig rod, could run spinners and drift fish as well, even though I prefer a shorter rod for those techniques. Hope this helps!

[@j.d.leslie8458]

Great video. So, if a visiting angler comes in spring/summer and can only bring one rod/reel, combo #1 would get the job done? Thanks

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thank you, and absolutely the IMX 1163 with a Vanford 3000 (the Ci4 was replaced by the Vanford) would be perfect for summer steelhead. 🎣

[@j.d.leslie8458]

@@RAGEFISHING Thanks so much. Now I know what to buy for my Vanford 3000😁

[@RAGEFISHING]

@@j.d.leslie8458 those Vanfords are incredible. 👍🏻

[@j.d.leslie8458]

@@RAGEFISHING They are indeed. I have a 3000 and 4000 and a 1000 is next. Nothing compares in that price range.

[@RAGEFISHING]

@@j.d.leslie8458 no doubt, I have 2 3000’s for steelhead and a 1000 for trout, you’ll love that 1000.

[@donaldwillis3412]

How do you like your Stryker rod and what size did you buy?

[@RAGEFISHING]

They are quality rods, I tested them for the first part of the winter steelhead season and caught several steelhead. They are quality rods with quality components; hand rolled blanks here in Eugene, Oregon; Alps guides zirconium guides and tee seats and CFX handles. I have the SH994S-2, 9’9” Medium Power / Moderate action modes. Retail they are $360, but often have specials with 30% off. You can see them in action on my 3 most recent steelhead videos.

[@adamnoga-styron7882]

Looking to get into some gloms rods for salmon and steelhead, going from okuma rods, is it worth the upgrade?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Absolutely, I have a few Okuma rods for surf perch and salmon fishing, the higher end rods are decent like the pro select and SST, but they are still no match for G.Loomis. I’ve tried many other rod manufacturers and I always go back to G.Loomis, especially for steelhead. They are the lightest, most sensitive and powerful rods available. Maybe try to find a E6X or used GL2 or GL3 to get started, you’ll see the difference.🎣

[@21a551]

Looking into getting Shimano Vanford reel for steelhead fishing. I have a Lamiglas X11 10’6 rod. Which Vanford reel size would you recommend for this rod 3000 or 4000 ?

[@RAGEFISHING]

Definitely a 3000. It’s super light, has good gear ratio and will hold plenty of line. I now have 2 3000’s on my E6X’s.

[@victoredwards2000]

Great videos! I just paired up a G Loomis float rod like yours with a Vanford 3000. The set up is hugely tip heavy. What did you do to balance yours out? Thanks in advance!

[@RAGEFISHING]

Thanks! I use an old Stradic 3000 on my float rod, which is heavier by 3 ounces. I never felt that set up was tip heavy. Those Vanfords are light! 6.3 ounces for a 3000! It could just feel that way if you’re new to fishing a 10.5’. Give it a bit of time if you’re used to fishing shorter rods maybe.

[@victoredwards2000]

Thanks for the fast reply, brother! Guess I will go get a Stradic to put on there :-) lol

[@RAGEFISHING]

@@victoredwards2000 yeah, save that Vanford for a 9.5! Stradics are awesome reels. I have several including the one I showed on my spinner rod in this video. Very smooth. The Vanford took the place of the Stradic Ci4, which was the carbon body model of Stradic, so they are very similar other than weight.

[@poster3452]

Step up to edge rods. Gary sold gloomis to Shimano long ago. After the no compete clause expired north fork composites/edge was born.

[@RAGEFISHING]

I’m guessing Edge rods are nice, I have friends that use them and like them. I’m a G. Loomis fan, Gary can be credited for starting the company, but their engineers continue to produce awesome rods still made in Woodland, Washington.

[@poster3452]

@@RAGEFISHING in fact gloomis and edge rods are made in neighboring building. Shimano bought gloomis and yes some rods are cutting edge but they cheapened manufacturing overall. Gary worked for Shimano on contract, then after the no compete clause, North fork composites started up. (Edge). I know this because i spent half my childhood with their family and continue as an adult with my family.

[@archit2796]

Maybe for future questions & answers: What fishing rods, gear, kit , boat, etc. does Mr. Rage want next? In the summer, I tried to talks him into a Loomis escape rod. LOL

[@RAGEFISHING]

Oh man, that list is too long to talk about. 😁

[@archit2796]

I’m wishing for a new rod to throw spoons and lures for steelhead and salmon? Loomis SAR 1024S salmon rod seems too large. I’m more a spin that casting reel guy. Any thoughts. PS: I have always used Loomis and Stradic reels. No wonder I like Rage fishing. 😊

[@RAGEFISHING]

@@archit2796 I think it would be tough to find a rod that can do both, if you want a hardware rod for steelhead, I highly recommend the 1024S steelhead rod, according to the G.Loomis website, they still make it. Or for a little less cash, they have an E6X with the same specs. I think the 1025S would be Ok for Salmon, but the SAR is probably more appropriate. I’ve tried so many rods for spinner fishing it’s ridiculous and I always go back to my 1024! 😬

[@ML-ks2lj]

I love my berry pro rod Chinese rod from Amazon.

[@RAGEFISHING]

Never heard of them, what model do you use?

[@ML-ks2lj]

@@RAGEFISHING 9'6 steelhead rod called the knights sword.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

There's an old Chinese proverb: If you can't put your steelhead rod together in your office, you need a bigger office.

[@RAGEFISHING]

Is that so?! 😁 I need a pole barn!

[@budbogert8560]

I use that same imx with a vanford 3000 for drift fishing i like it so much i have 2 identical setups. Soo light and sensitive. For bead fishing ive switched to the edge 10ft6 8-17 fast action with stradic 3000. Use to use the imx 10ft6 6-12 but the edge is better in my opinion since its faster action

[@RAGEFISHING]

A faster action is definitely better for bead fishing. I’ve been using the G.Loomis E6X 1145 8-17, medium heavy power / fast action. The 1143 is also a great rod for beads, but is a bit lighter in power. I’ve heard good things about Edge rods, but I’m sticking with G.Loomis. I tried some Stryker rods and learned I’m not a fan of synthetic grips. I like a cork handle for winter fishing. Good luck this season! I have a bunch of new steelhead videos uploaded for my ‘Steelhead December’ series. New fishing videos every Friday at 6PM and gear / tip videos in between. 🎣

[@BcomeLgendary23]

Daiwa tatula 3000 or Shimano Stradic FL 3000

[@RAGEFISHING]

I’m a big fan of Shimano. I have a Stradic FL 2500 on that GL3. It’s smooth! The 3000 is the same size, with a deeper spool, holds more line. I’ve been mostly using 3000’s for steelhead, for that rod I wanted a 2500.

[@Snatchez69]

Still blows my mind when I see float(bobber) fishing with a spinning reel but I guess we’ve been float fishing longer up here in Canada. I started collecting baitcasting reels cause it made sense until I got into centerpin and pretty much sold most my collection to fund new setups. 10’6” - 13’ rods even for small coastal streams.

[@RAGEFISHING]

I fish some small river systems for the most part, spinning outfits work well for me. I hear great things about centerpin, we have some local guys that exclusively run them. Maybe someday I’ll give them a shot, but I’m happy with what I have for now.

[@Snatchez69]

@@RAGEFISHING It will be frustrating at first but once you get the hang of it, you’ll really understand it’s purpose. Evolution is what makes a good fisherman. The control you have drifting floats, more consistent hook sets and the most important of all…way more enjoyable playing fish(1:1 with no drag system). Up here in BC, Canada 1 out of 3 river fisherman uses a centerpin and by now I’m even hedging to say it’s more common. I know it’s slowly trickling down across the border as more and more people try it. I used to be closed minded to it till I watched old timers time and time again cleaning up behind or beside you hooking more fish whether it be salmon or steelhead. Obviously it’s not because of the type of reel but more to do with presentation and control.