The Steelhead Angler

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By Arindam Chattopadhyaya 

If you are a die hard fishing enthusiast, chances are that you have heard of the Bamboo Fishing rods. These distinctive rods are more like antiques today, with most of them having been used in the days before the advent of the modern fishing rods. Recently, there has been an increasing trend to collect and restore these classic rods. This particular hobby is on the rise among lovers of the fishing sport and those interested in fishing equipment and accessories. Fishing gear shows normally have lovingly restored traditional fishing rods being sold to the tune of $600 and even more.

So, you can imagine the antique value of these rods! The old bamboo rod belonging to your grandfather is therefore not junk anymore. Take it out from the attic or the closet and set about restoring it- for the love of it or the money involved. This new passion is not just an extension of the craze about antiques. Instead it has come forth after the growing realization of the actual usefulness and flexibility of the bamboo fishing rod. Identifying genuine antique bamboo rods is another matter, however.

There are different ways to do this. If you are really interested, you can research on the internet. A number of websites are dedicated towards giving more information about classic bamboo rods and other old fishing rods. They will tell you how to identify these and also provide tips on their restoration. Some websites may also have information about certain books associated with the hobby of restoring classic pieces of fishing rods. However, these will be few and far in between just like the topic of their discussion, the bamboo fishing rods. Still if you manage to chance on a couple, think carefully and then purchase for they are most likely not easy on the pocket.
Other than the websites, you can use the internet for searching groups and associations that are committed towards disseminating education about these classic fishing rods, more specifically, about how to identify them. You can get in touch with them and they surely will be enthusiastic to help. This way you can swap notes by getting in touch with others who share the same hobby. This is the best way to pass information back and forth and also keep a record at the same time. This helps by putting all the original existing bamboo fishing rods on records for posterity.

Identification might be more difficult that what you think because manufacture of bamboo rods has been revived owing to their popularity. Many of these resemble the features and designs of the antiques. So, without an expert eye or opinion, it has become increasingly difficult to identify those which are authentic. A replica can be easily mistaken for a classic. One way to make out if a fishing rod is genuine vintage or not is to check out parts of the rod other than bamboo. The genuine rods will have parts made out of materials that were not obtainable till recently.
The age or worth not withstanding, bamboo rods are just one more reason for the enthusiasts to indulge in fishing more often.

Author is professional angler and running charter service for more than 10 years in Goa. He published several books on boating and fishing. He recently published an informative article on freshwater fishing equipment at his website http://www.fishingletsgo.com Download FREE report on fishing to get his secret tips on fresh water fishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arindam_Chattopadhyaya

By; Trevor Kugler

When it comes to buying fishing gifts, finding the right gift can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Fishermen can be a fickle group, which is why I wanted to write a quick article with 3 great fishing gifts that most anglers would enjoy. Especially an angler that spends time in waders, wading their local rivers and/or streams in search of trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, walleye, or any other fish. Some of these gifts would even work for a saltwater angler on your gift giving list that likes to wade in the surf in search of stripers etc.

For the most part these gifts (except for the last one) are for freshwater river and stream anglers, that have to be as efficient as possible when they’re out on the water fishing. And if they don’t have these products, then they simply aren’t being as efficient as they could be when fishing. Why is it important to be efficient when fishing? Simple. Because the more time that you can spend with your line in the water, where the fish are, rather than out of the water while you bait up, search for gear, etc, the more fish that will be caught.

So let’s get down to business and list these fishing gifts so that you can decide if any or all of them will work for that special fisherman on your list:

1. A Starter Kit - Now you may be wondering what a starter kit is? It’s pretty simple. A starter kit is a “sampler”, if you will, that includes gang hooks, a bait bag, and a pair of retractors, that any angler who spends time wading rivers and/or streams can use. All of these products will help any angler be more efficient, and thus catch more fish. The bottom line is that if that special someone on your list enjoys wade fishing, a starter kit would be a great fishing gift.

2. Polarized Sunglasses - Any person who spends time on the water fishing (especially wading) needs a pair of quality polarized sunglasses. As an avid fisherman myself, I know the importance of polarized sunglasses to my fishing success. When I say quality, I mean quality, which means that cheap polarized sunglasses aren’t worth the plastic they’re made out of. If you are going to get someone polarized sunglasses for fishing, make sure that they are quality polarized sunglasses, which means that they might be a bit expensive. In my experience, to get a good pair of polarized sunglasses you’re going to have to spend a $100. The good thing is that quality glasses will last for years and stand up to a ton of abuse.

3. A Set of Rod Rulers - This is the gift that’s great for any person who fishes, whether they wade fish or not. A set of Rod Rulers is a great fishing gift. These are measuring devices that stick directly to your special anglers fishing rods! This way they won’t have to search for a tape measure to measure their fish. The tape measure will be with them whenever they’re fishing. A set of JRW Rod Rulers is a great fishing gift for anyone who like to know how big their catch actually is.

Again, one or all of these fishing gifts would be great for almost any angler on your list (especially #3). These are all things that will help any angler be more efficient, which as I said earlier, means that they will catch more fish. I suppose I should say “get more bites”, because the “catching” is still up to them. In any case these 3 fishing gift choices will be appreciated by that special angler on your list.

Winter Steelhead Fishing Requires Something Special Getting up on a Winter morning to go Steelheading is a cold affair. The air is cold, the water is cold, your fingers are cold. Most of all the Steelhead are more than a little cold and sleepy. Combine this with faster flows and water that is every shade of murky and you have a recipe for not catching any fish. So what is the go-to lure when things are cold and dark? Spinners of course.

Spinners Have an Advantage in Dark Water Winter rain or snow melt can turn the rivers murky and swift. This means the fish can’t see lures as well, and often times the Steelhead will have difficulty locating a scent trail unless it is right in front of them. What they can feel though is vibration. Even admit all the turbulence in the rivers, fish can pick up on the thrumming of a spinner chopping its way through the water.

Even in Low Water Spinners Work Between rain storms, or when it is all falling as snow, water levels can drop and clear up. This is still a great opportunity to use spinners. Simply down size the lure and be aware that as the water clears the fish can see you again! If your favorite fish holding spot is full of pretty clear water, it is time to try the ‘casting up stream’ technique featured below.

Which Spinner to Use Many factors affect which spinner to use, but generally speaking a size #3 through #5 will work for Winter conditions. The Color to use is a topic of much debate. In very dark and stained water, a silver body and blade that put out the maximum flash is probably a safe bet, as there is less chance of spooking the fish. Other good options for dark water are bright orange and greens. As the water clears and visibility improves you can move to Brass colored lures or dark bodied spinners with a flash of color like Wyld Edge’s Headbanger series

How to Fish Those Spinners There are three basic ways to fish spinners.

• Casting Up Stream - This is the hardest to master, but allows you to fish deeper. Simply cast up stream, flip your bail over and retrieve just fast enough to keep your blade spinning. The idea is to keep the spinner moving and up off the bottom, but not pull it in so fast that the fish won’t follow it.
• Across the Stream - A standard presentation, casting across the flow, allowing the lure to sink and then using a steady retrieve to keep it up out of the rocks.
• Flipping into Rips - A favorite of mine, flip your spinner into the rip at the edge of a pool and let the current carry it along. Try to follow the edge of the faster water with your spinner and then retrieve slowly. Stay alert though because fish will follow lures presented this way a long ways and may surprise you with a strike when you are about to pull it out of the water.

Know Your Water Regardless of where you fish and what season, this holds true. Many true Steelheaders will also tell you to fish the waters closest to you until you know every hiding spot for Steelhead regardless of the water levels. Remember to fish the edges and don’t forget the water under your feet. The faster and darker the water, the more likely they fish are to be tucked in along the edges hiding under banks, and behind rocks.

Cover the Water Remembering that the water is murky, even a spinner can only pull fish from so far, so don’t just stand in one spot. Shai Plummer of Wyld Edge Outfitters sums it up like this:

“You can’t catch fish if you are not fishing where they are at. When I am on the river I fish from the bank and I am constantly moving even if it is only a couple of feet at a time. With spinfishing a good general rule is that if you have made four to five casts to one spot , give up on it and move on , unless you see activity that shows you that there are fish there. Fish as many holes as you can and cover them well.” So keep moving! As soon as you have covered an area take a step and start again. One good rule of thumb is to move as far between casts as you can see into the water.

Fish, Fish, Fish! Steelheading takes practice and patience, and there is nothing else that can compare to just putting in time with your line in the water. If you would like some more reading on Steelhead fishing in the Northwest you can visit Wyld Edge’s guide to Steelhead fishing with spinners, or Fishing with Cliff’s reading section and check out a couple the books there devoted to Steelheading!

Chris Cliff is a long time fisherman that hails from the remote lands of Northern Idaho, but has now moved to the big city. He and his crew fish the waters of the Northwest filming episodes of their own web based fishing show ‘Fishing with Cliff’. You can find it at http://www.FishingWithCliff.com/ and features more great articles, photos, links and of course episodes of their show. Think of it as a fishing show crossed with reality TV.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Cliff

Welcome back:

So you just purchased your steelhead gear and now you‘re wanting to go and try your luck on the river. But you’re not sure of where to fish once you reach the river I will describe some of the basic spots in a river that may be holding some steelhead. The following are some examples of what I look for when I am fishing new water and I’m not sure where the fish are laying.

I thought that I would talk about where you might find Steelhead holding water and or travel troughs, Yes just like cattle or sheep follow the same trails, fish too seem to use the same troughs and these are what you look for when looking at a body of water.

Steelheads like to rest in the slower moving section of a river but usually do not stay in total slack water. Knowing this you look for spots where the heaviest part of the current is broken down and slowed either but a rock or maybe the bend in a river or even the river cannel itself.

In the following example I have outline four prime spots where a steelhead may be found.

A. You notice how on the lower side of this out line the water is what I call slack water very minimal current as a general rule steelhead do not like to lay in this type of water. However drifting inside of the outlined area would be a good place to find a steelhead as they like to stay right along side of the seam between the heavier current and the slack water.
B. Again you want to fish the seam that is formed by the rock, try hitting the upper most part of this seam when casting and not directly behind the rock in the slack water.

C. While this is not as obvious to the eye the rock slows the current by acting as a dam and the current is slowed making another go place for you to find a steelhead laying, this type of spot is excellent if there is a large run of swift water below the rock.

D. There are two rocks in the river at this point one exposed and the other has water running over the top of it. You want to concentrate your efforts in the seam created by the submerge rock as this is where a majority of the steelhead will lay.

The four locations mentioned above are the prim location drift through these location and concentrating on them should produce a steelhead, that not to say that the occasional drift through the slack water won’t as a mater of fact it is probably a good idea but concentrate on the seams when you can.

I this picture there are two seams where the steelhead like to travel.

The upper seam you will notice goes right tight against the bank and then comes out into the river cannel and follows the main current down stream.
The reason for this while not real clear in the photo is that there is a back eddy where the water swirls in a circle and steelhead do not like to fight this type of current they stay out where the water if flowing in one direction.

The lower seam is a typical river cannel seam caused by two factors the 1st is a bend in the river and the 2nd is a depression in the river bottom. These two conditions make for an excellent steelhead hole.

This is the type of hole that a lot of steelhead fisherman look for and spend much of their time fishing. It is a sure bet that if you find a hole like this and no one is fishing there you will catch a fish but enjoy it while you can because these type of holes more often then not become quite crowded with fisherman as the season heats up.

This nice Steelhead was caught in the river directly below this fisherman’s left foot just inside of the white water along the seam. Take note of the river conditions down stream and see how swift the river is that fact contributes to making this hole well worth fishing. The steelhead have fought the current for sometime to get it a place where they can rest and once there they will hold in places like this making them prime locations.

This is another type of hole to look for and I call this type a slick. You will notice that inside of the outlined area the river seems to be smooth with a couple of submerged rocks causing a faint ripple on the surface. These you will want to drift making sure that at the end of you drift your line and lure cut across just in front of the ripple as steelhead like to lay in front of these rock right on the bottom of the river.

Well I guess that that’s enough for now next time I’ll talk about how to tell if your bouncing on the river bottom or if you are having a steelhead striking your lure.

I hope you will come back to check and see my next article.

Good Luck and Good Fishing
RR Smith

http://www.steelhead-gear.com

With today’s economy saving a few dollars is becoming America’s way of life. Higher fuel prices have affected everything we do and while you can’t do much about the higher prices of fuel you can save some money by purchasing used fishing equipment.

There are a number of place you can find used fishing gear local pawn shops normally have a large selection to choose from. Some of the local sporting goods stores will have returned and used Items at a reduced price as well as discontinued items. You can check out the classified ads in your local paper to see what deals are out there. The Internet is a good place to find some great deals on used fishing gear as well.

Buying used equipment doesn’t mean that you have to settle for fishing gear that has been expended or that is obsolete. Many people buy equipment try using it once or twice and then decide that they need something different for a lot of reasons. I recently purchased a used fly reel through Steelhead Gear.com that the previous owner never took out of the box. The previous owner said he bought two when he made the purchase and just never used the first one enough to warrant opening the second. I saved $50.00 on the purchase and got myself a new fly reel! I have found deals on tackle as well, where fisherman have purchased new lures, jigs, and flies and maybe used them once if at all and decided they wanted to sell them.

With the way the economy is saving a few dollars here and there may mean you save enough money to pay for your next fishing trip. So look around find some deals on used fishing gear and you to maybe able to save enough to go on an extra fishing trip or two.

So you made the investment in a Bamboo Fly Rod and with the proper care and maintenance your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you years of enjoyment and service. Taking the time to follow these maintenance tips will ensure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will endure the demands that fly fishing puts on the fly rod. These tips will ensure your purchase of a bamboo fly rod was an excellent choice, after all you have moved up to Bamboo and I’m sure that you don’t want to have to switch back to some other type of Fly fishing Rod!

Cleaning the metal ferrules
I like to use Vaseline petroleum jelly putting a small amount on the male ferrule and putting it in and out of the female ferrule a few times the petroleum jelly loosens the build up and protects the metal from oxidation. Use a small cotton swap or Q-tip to remove any excess Vaseline in the female section and a clean dry cloth on the male section and out side part of the female ferrule. For stubborn stains and dirt build up you can use denatured alcohol just be sure not to get this on the varnish. If you happened to purchase a used Bamboo Fly Rod and the ferrules have oxidized you can use a very fine grit sand paper to remove the oxidation. Use caution not to remove to much metal as this will affect the way the ferrules fit together. 

Polishing bamboo fly rods
The Bamboo Fly Rod is more then just a fishing rod it is a piece of art. You should wipe them clean with a clean dry cloth, this is a must if you want to keep it looking great and protected from the effect of the elements like rain, water, and dust. Use a paste type furniture polish and a soft cloth to help protect the bamboo and bring out the shine and gleam of your Bamboo Fly Rod

How to clean cork grips
You can use toothpaste, dish soap, or a mild bleach cleaner what ever you use make sure that you have removed all of the cleaner by wiping it well with a damp cloth. You don’t want to leave the cleaner on the Cork as it will dry the cork out excessively and make it start cracking. If the cork grip has a large amount of build up, you can use fine grit (200 or so) sandpaper to remove this build-up just use caution so you don’t damage the cork.

Storing bamboo fly rods
Be sure you wipe your Bamboo Fly Rod with a clean soft cloth to make sure it is clean and dry. If the rod is going to be store for an extended time it would be a good time to wax the rod. Separate the pieces and put them in a soft rod sack and then slip this into a protective tube. Avoid storing your Bamboo fly Rod in extreme conditions like excessive heat or moisture. Laying the tube flat is the best way to store the rod.

Used bamboo fly rods
Used Bamboo Fly Rods can be found at flea market and garage sales some of which are true bargains just make sure you look them over carefully. Check out the Bamboo and make sure that there are no cracks and that the seams are not starting to separate, check the grip for missing pieces insure the cork is not dried and cracking or the section are starting to separate. Put the fly rod together and check the fit of the ferrules they should be snug but not excessively tight, check the guides and windings making sure they are in good condition. If you find a Bamboo Fly Rod that passes these then you have found a true treasure.

By following these few tips I’m sure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you a life time of enjoyment and use. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and may you enjoy your Bamboo Fly Rod for years to come.

Steelhead Gear. Com

If you believe this is going to happen at this time of year I suggest that you just stay home where it’s nice and warm, relax, and think about the coming months when the Steelhead fishing here in Idaho really picks up.

However if you want to try your luck out on the river you can still catch some nice Steelhead from the end of December through the middle of February, you just need to remember to be persistent. The Steelhead this time of year have moved into the deeper hold pools waiting for the water temperature and condition to change signaling its time to continue their trip to the spawning beds.

This time of year requires patience, persistence and a good amount of luck, some fisherman call the latter skill, however most Steelhead fishermen know that when fishing in these tough winter conditions we will take luck over skill every time. You need to change your fishing style this time of year to be successful and here are a few tips to help you out some.

* Don’t concentrate on the tail end of the hole like you would when fishing in the early fall move up stream and fish the deeper slower moving section of the hole.
* Dress warm as this time of year is brutal if you’re not prepared, and you won’t put in the time needed if you’re not able to at least tolerate the weather conditions.
* Drift through the same spot numerous times as the Steelhead have become somewhat lethargic do to the cold water temperatures and they really don’t want to have to chase anything.
* Switch up your lure colors and don’t be afraid to try something different Steelhead become very persnickety so give them something different.
* Keep your bait and lures small this is one of the most common mistakes Steelhead fisherman make during this time of year.
* Slow your presentation down as much as you can remember that the Steelhead have slowed down also.
* Try new or different spots concentrating on deep slow moving holes.
* Should you be fortunate enough to hook a Steelhead remember the spot where you hooked into him and keep on working that spot as Steelhead like to pool up together.
I have been Chasing Steelhead for over 35 years here in Idaho and yes you can catch some nice Steelhead when most Fishermen have put their rods up waiting for warmer weather and more active fish. Just follow the simple steps above and you to can enjoy one of the most peaceful times on the river and even hook into quite a few steelhead.

 Want to know my two favorite set-ups for winter Steelhead you can find them at http://steelhead-gear.com/Fishing Info Info . I may even see you on the river the next time you are out Good Luck and Good Fishing.

BY: RR Smith

By: William Long

 When I started fishing for winter Steelhead a few years ago, I had nothing. Until then, I was a “fair-weather” fisherman who didn’t really know what cold was. Boy did I find out fast.

I will never forget my first time out. I had just hooked up with a longtime friend of mine who I had not seen since grade school. Steve was going to teach me all about Steelhead & Salmon fishing. It was mid December, the 16th of 1999 I think. We met at Steve’s house at about 5 am. All I was wearing was my jeans, T-shirt, baseball cap, regular shoes and a warm weather jacket in the car.

Steve just looked at me. “Are you nuts?” He said. “You’re going to freeze.” Well, I replied this is about all I have. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll make it. Let’s go” No sooner did we get to the river I was just that, freezing. But hey, I’m stoked because I’m going to catch me a long over-due Steelhead. I remember looking at him as I was just about numb to the core and noticing he was warm as could be. It didn’t take long to ask “Ok, how much is all that and where can I get it”. I wasn’t going to go through that kind of day ever again. By God’s grace, I did catch my first ever Steelhead that day but not without paying a heavy price.

By my next trip out I managed to up my gear with a pair of waders, along with a breathable raincoat. The only thing missing was head wear. “I knew I was forgetting something.” It was another cold day. It was uncomfortable, but at least not unbearable like my first time out. I had a stocking cap, so it ended up being ok.

I tell you my friends, there is nothing like the comfort of being warm. When the temperature is in the 30’s with rain, snow, and sleet. (Yes, I have had all 3!). You will be glad you have the gear. Also, being warm gives you so much more of a good time.

Here is my suggested checklist when going out for a day on the river.

1. Waders. You can find these just about everywhere. Just like anything else, you get what you pay for. I recommend the breathable Simms brand G3’s or G4’s being the top of the line. They do run a bit high, in the price range from about $350 to $699. You can get the Rivertek Stockingfoots for $299. Rivertek is about as low as I would go for winter. You can also go with the long time stand by in Neoprene 3.5 mm. You can get into a pair of these in the price range of $80 to $200.

2. Rain coat. Another must have. Rain coats really come down to your own comfort. Personally, I need to feel loose, and agile. Therefore, I use a tighter, lighter style in Columbia. The bottom line is dry.

3. Your hat. I like the Henschel. A great, quality oil skin hat that will keep your head dry. A dry head is a warm head. I believe these run in the ballpark of $50

4. Underclothing. There are all kinds of things out there now. I use anything that is designed to keep the moisture out and the heat in. Over that I usually wear something of wool, over that my waders. This all depends on how warm or cold blooded you are. Some people like me need 3-4 layers, while others just 1 or 2. Check your local REI or Sporting goods store for these.

One last tip, get yourself a dry bag. You will not regret having an extra set of clothes for the sake of emergency. You never know when you will slip on a rock, or get plain soaked due to heavy weather. Just put your dry bag in the truck or boat. Dry bags can be purchased through Sporting goods store also. Price will depend on size, costing on average $40.

Bill Long has been a long time avid Steelhead fisherman. He enjoys the sport, and spending time getting others involved too. For more information, see his site on Steelhead fishing.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Don’t forget to pick-up your fishing Gear

Today your choices for fishing lines seem endless from the tried and true mono lines, to the high performance braided lines, and the new fluorocarbon lines how can you know which line is the best? Well the answer is “who really knows except for you and your fishing needs” I have used the following three types over the years and will tell you each have their benefits and draw backs I will explain to you each of these but the final choice must be yours since you are the one who will be using them for the type of fishing you do. 

SpiderWire UltraCast The Ultimate Braid Fishing Line
Maxima
World Wide Sportsman’s New Camo Fishing Line

SpiderWire:
It gives you the sensitivity to feel the lightest bite, the control you need for a secure hook-set, and the strength to endure the toughest fish. Regardless of the species you’re after or the cover you’re fishing. SpiderWire’s UltraCast seems to be a strong, smooth, ultra sensitive and a very durable braided line. UltraCast gives you a smooth flow through your guides which along with the smaller diameter allows you to make longer cast. Spiderwire Ultracast Invisi-Braid’s patented translucency technology makes this line virtually invisible once it is in the water. There is no line stretch which gives you a quick hook set and good control over the fish. They advertise that there is no break-in period as with other braids and I did find this to be true it goes from spool to reel and works very well.

The draw backs as with any braided line were it did seem to ice up more when used in freezing temperatures and should you lose a longer piece of line in the river when you get snagged it tends to cut you line rather easily should you hook into it.

Maxima Line

Maxima provides excellent abrasion-resistance and durability, and its special light-diffusing properties make it invisible to fish. Over the years I have tried numerous types of line from many manufacturers. I have had, and continue to have excellent performance from Maxima Line. It is strong and abrasion resistant, yet supple. It allows little (if any) stretch and has virtually no memory. It absorbs the shock of hard hitting Salmon and Steelhead very well. I have confidence in maxima line, and trust it so much, that it is the only line I will use to battle salmon on some of the rivers I fish here in Idaho! I’ve used this line for over twenty-five years. Maxima line has great color, durability, and performance and makes for a great choice on many rivers.

World Wide Sportsman Camo Fishing Line
If your want to save a few dollars this is a very comparable line to the maxima,and makes for a great choice on many rivers.  With its abrasion resistance, tensile strength, stretch resistance and knot strength. The varying shades and hues produce a camo color that makes this line nearly invisible when it hits the water. Fluorocarbon seems to mimic the refractive quality of water resulting in more strikes and does not seem to spook the fish as bad.
Now I know there must be hundreds if not thousands of different name brand lines available which I admit I have not used however these are the lines that work well for me and the type of fishing I do. I know they work and they are what I look for when purchasing line. Besides I would rather spend my time looking at new lures, hooks, and baits to try the next time I go out Fishing.

By : RR Smith
http://www.steelhead-gear.com/

Talk to any die hard Steelhead fishermen and they will tell you the two most important items when selecting a steelhead rod are sensitivity and line handling. The G.Loomis STR1263C GL2 Steelhead Rod is packed with both of these features, with the sensitivity to feel the lightest of strikes to the strength for handling the most aggressive runs a steelhead should make.

If your steelhead fishing takes you to the larger, wider rivers you will come to appreciate this G.Loomis Steelhead Rod, Its 10’ 6” length will allow you to make those long cast to the troughs on the far bank that you were not able to reach with your old Rod. The extra length of this road allows you to have a optimum line angle which reduces the line drag and gives you improved line sensitivity that steelheaders look for in a rod. Once you hook into a steelhead you will have the control over the fish like you have not experienced before, this rod is made to handle those aggressive steelhead and put you in control of the fish.

As for the sensitivity of the G.Loomis 1263 steelhead rod you will now be able to feel the subtle bite like never before the soft tip action of these rods are hard to beat. While a steelhead is large fish their bite normally is very gentle and having the sensitivity this rod provides will give you an edge over most other fishing rods. G.Loomis makes their rod out of some of the highest quality graphite materials available today so you can be assured that this rod will last through years of fighting these powerful fish.

The extra power you will have with the 1263 will get you those steelhead in large rivers especially if you are a drift fisherman requiring long cast to reach the troughs where the steelhead are laying. This rod work exceptionally well if you are into float fishing giving you that extra casting distance that you did not have before.

SPECIFICATIONS:
o       Model: STR1263C GL2 EVERGREEN STEELHEAD ROD
o       Type: Casting
o       Pieces: 2
o       Length: 10′6″
o       Handle: No. 13
o       Line Weight:  6-12
o       Lure Weight: 3/8-3/4
o       Action: Fast
o       Power: Medium

I would highly recommend this rod to anyone that is serious about their steelhead fishing, they are well worth their money and you will be hard pressed to find a rod that will match their endurance!

Article By: RR Smith
http://www.steelhead-gear.com/