G Loomis, Rod recommend

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mudslide
  • Start date Start date
M

Mudslide

Guest
I'm looking at getting a G Loomis rod and was wondering if anyone uses them and can give me a recommendation for a Salmon rod that would go with an Islander reel? Length, action, model? Also: does using these types of HM graphite rods with a downrigger hurt them at all? Thanks Greg
 
Been running them close to 20 yrs now great rod very well balanced, they get used a lot!!!!!!!!! great warranty 10' 6" is all your going to need Trotac in vic sell them as well.

Good luck wolf

Blue Wolf Charters
www.bluewolfcharters.com
 
I use a SAR 1265C, Heavy Moderate action, coupled with a MR3. I have used this rod for many years. I am a clumsy, fuddle fingered maniac, and I have bashed and beat this rod and it still looks and works awesome, with wonderful action for getting the most out of a fight. For the money it is a fantastic downrigger fishing rod, second only to a sage product worth more than twice the money. IMO :D

"We must strive to touch the land gently and care for it as true stewards, that those who follow us and assess our record may see that our mark on the land was one of respect and love, not cruelty and disdain."
-Robert B. Oetting
 
I run MR3's on Gloomis STR1265C 10' 6'' - used kicker side and MR3 - Gloomis STR1086C 9'. Both are awesome but like the 10' 6" as this allows you to use longer leader lengths.

An MR3 on the 1265 will keep you happy for years. One of the best investments I made and it made a difference what I brought into the boat

/fishon
 
We have been using and selling the G.Loomis STR1265 for years and think it is an excellent rod. We don't have much of a need to go shorter than 9 ft so the 10'6" is common.

I also love my Sage 11' rods, but for price and durability, we have been fishing the G.Loomis more for Salmon trolling.(Along with the Loomis Cross Current, We do use a lot of Sage for Salt Fly fishing though)
I wouldn't worry at all about the Downrigger tension issue.

We pair them up with Islander 2's and 3's but will still work just fine with the new Shimano Moocher if you are looking at cost.

Even though there have been some changes with G.Loomis now under Shimano umbrella, this is one rod that has been truly consistent IMHO.

We have these in stock and on sale if you are interested in pricing.



Tofino B.C.'s most recommended Fishing Outfitter.
www.tofinofishing.com
 
If you are prepared to take the time and do some careful inspection, there are some great used deals out there on Loomis and Sage Rods. Over the last 2 years I have picked up a 10’6” and 9’ Loomis and love them. One looks like it was never used and the other is near new. Most recently I picked up a near new Sage, 4100, 10 foot, 4 power rod for less than the new cost on a Loomis. Have not tried it yet but understand it is a great rod for tyee. You should be able to pick up a great condition Rod for 50% or less of retail and often they come with cases. One thing to be careful of with the Loomis rods is that the tolerances are tight and the two sections are prone to get frozen together. Bill, the repair guy at Island Outfitters says they get a lot of them in to be unstuck, I am assuming from guys like myself who are afraid to break them trying to get them apart. Use some silicon spray or in a pinch the old trick about running the insert end through your hair to pick up a little of the natural oil.
 
Love the Loomis. I use the 10' 6" for steelers, and I plan on getting them for trolling down the road too. Lovely rods and a very functional warranty.
 
My MR3's are matched up with a Loomis GL2 10'6" (moderate action) SAR1265, Sage 11'0" 4110 and a Fenwick HMX 10'6" 1265. My favourite has to be the Sage...super strong and lightweight. Been using my Loomis for 10 years without any problems. Great rod for a some what reasonable price.
 
Not saying anything bad about 'Loomis' they are a great rods, but if you are looking at a GL2 or GL3, there are other rods out there every bit as good and a lot cheaper![:0]
 
Thanks for the quick replies. I would be interested in alternatives to the G Loomis. It's hard to compare graphite rods between manufacturers because there appears to be no industry standards. I think the 10 ft 6 length sounds about right.
 
I believe Fenwick was the first to manufacturer the 'all' graphite rod back in 1973... I have four of those HMG's setting in my garage! They are probably older than most on here, I love them, and they have served me well over the last 35+ years! And they still have their 'Life Time' warranty! :)

With that… just because a fishing rod says ‘graphite’ or ‘fiberglass’ on it does not mean much of anything to me, anymore! The ‘scrim’ and ‘resin’ of a graphite rod are far more important than the fact that it is graphite! And that, is also what separates manufactures. I personally am about the ‘feel and balance’ of rod and reel matched together - not whether it is fiberglass or graphite! A balanced rod and reel - just feels good, as soon as you pick it up! :D

There is no industry standards of terms like IM6, IM7, or IM8. These are a “range” the manufacturers use to classify their rods and is based off “modulus” content. The modulus describes the stiffness of the graphite rod to weight ratio. The higher the modulus… the higher the cost... and also the higher the modulus the more apt it is to explode or break, due to being left to bake in the sun (back window), being dropped, stepped on, or even having the smallest little nick! In fact, as I have found out the hard way – high modulus graphite rods and downriggers do ‘not’ a good marriage make, more than once! They will literally explode on you.

Your mid range graphite rods are much better for downrigger use. And, by the time you get to the mid range graphite rods, the most important thing is - scrim and resin, which does equate terms like 'composite' - In reality equals 'fiberglass' content! That is why - for the last 15 years I have used good, well balanced fiberglass rods! Mine happen to be ‘Lamiglass’, but any good manufacturer - makes good rods! Just take your reel in and find a rod that is balanced and feels good - to you! Then look at price, cost should be secondary as you will probably have it for 20 years! It would be wise to save your money and back away from those top rated, high modulus graphite rods and get something in the mid range that will give you the durability needed for downrigger use. IM = Intermediate Modulus, HM = High Modulus. And there is nothing wrong with a 'good' fiberglass rod - with either, you should have a 'life time' warranty!

I found this, do not know if it is accurate, but does sound right as a general example of modulus ratings of G Loomis:
GLX - 65 million modulus
IMX - 55 million modulus
GL3 - 47 million modulus (IM8)
GL2 - 42 million modulus (IM7)
IM6 - 38 million modulus
Standard Graphite - 33 million modulus

If you want to hear some interesting things... after you read the following go into 'most' stores and start asking sbout 'modulus,'scrim’ and ‘resin’? You will be surprised at the answers! :D

http://www.gloomis.com/publish/cont...s_homepage/customerservice/FAQ/technical.html
http://www.potomacbass.com/articledisplay.cfm?articleid=10
http://www.allstarrods.com/sub_whatisgraphite.html
http://community-2.webtv.net/@HH!31!DD!B0DECF8E3091/fishing-folks/Graphiteaprimeron/
 
Thanks Charlie. An excellent primer of graphite rods. Thanks as well for all the excellent responses. Love Fenwick rods but I'm landlocked in Alberta so I don't have as much experience with Salmon gear. Thanks for letting me pick your minds on this. It is a big purchase and I like to do research before putting that kind of cash down

Does anyone know which graphite Loomis uses in their SAMR1265C? also they are calling this a mooching rod but it has a casting handle. I assume they must make one without the trigger, but I don't see it on the site.
 
Drop Loomis an email and ask them, they will tell you? That particular rod is “probably” just standard graphite?

All Loomis blanks use a woven graphite material. Loomis uses “proprietary” woven graphite on their GLX, which is only available to Loomis? The GLX blanks are all graphite through and through, very nice and very spendy. Once you leave GLX, you get into the use of other “non-proprietary” materials with many using – yep, you guess it, fiberglass. :)
 
I've used my Loomis STR 1265C for years on the downrigger and river fishing mainly for Chums it's a workhorse wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone for either purpose.

avatar1038543gif.jpg
 
I asume the C in 1265C stands for the trigger type casting handle. Are you running levelwinds on your rods Dogbreath? I was looking to go with a single action reel like an islander.
 
Yes, the “C” is casting, “S” is spinning. The different handles types are indicated by the number listed under “handles” next to the rod on their website. The beginning of each model number indicates the “series”. At the end of the model number you will find the type of graphite, if the type is not listed it – would normally mean standard graphite material. Each of the 1265 in the different series is listed below (directly from G Loomis website), it may help seeing them together, in understanding the different models and what their intended use! Buy the rod based on your intended use and what “it” was intended to do… and you will be happy!

CLASSIC SALMON & STEELHEAD RODS (Classic Steelhead)
“These are the rods that put G.Loomis on the map.” “Select the rod that best matches your requirements giving careful consideration to the different levels of graphite performance.”

STR1265C GL2
A powerful, extra-long drift rod designed specifically for the big rivers of British Columbia. While it is basically made for float fishing, it will work equally well using standard drift gear, especially in heavy current and deep slots where you need more power. It has a medium-heavy power rating that makes it ideal for silvers and chum salmon as well and it makes a great downrigger/planer board rod for trolling in the Great Lakes. Handle = 13; Line Weight = 10-20

STR1265S GL2
A powerful, 10’6" drift rod designed for the big rivers of British Columbia. While it is basically made for float fishing, it will work equally well using standard drift gear. It has a medium-heavy power-rating that makes it ideal for the smaller salmon species. A great alternative for downrigger/planer boards when trolling in the Great Lakes. Also a perfect shore rod for casting spoons and spinners at the river mouths. Handle = 33; Line Weight = 10-20



CLASSIC SALMON & STEELHEAD RODS (Classic Salmon)
“These rods are designed for a special technique called mooching.”

SAR1265C GL2
A specialty rod designed for mooching in tidewater and ocean salmon fisheries. It has a powerful tip and butt, capable of casting three or four ounces or mooching/trolling up to eight ounces. Rated for up to 40 pound line, the ten foot plus length gives you excellent line/lure control in all trolling and mooching situations, plus helps keep the fish from the props when you get him close to the boat. Long cork rear grip and graphite trigger reel seat gives you great leverage. Handle = 13; Line Weight 10-40


SALMON & STEELHEAD (Salmon Series)
… “and it’s why we make 14 different models covering five different techniques. This is our turf! This is salmon country and it’s what we do.”

SAMR1265C
A longer, more powerful mooching rod designed for king salmon. It allows you to spread out lines to fish multiple set-ups without outriggers or downriggers and it will allow you to use even longer leaders if necessary. Like all G.Loomis mooching rods, the lure ratings on this rod reflects an effective range for trolling or mooching. It will handle about half of that weight for overhand casting. A powerful, 10’6" drift rod designed for the big rivers of British Columbia. While it is basically made for float fishing, it will work equally well using standard drift gear. It has a medium-heavy power-rating that makes it ideal for the smaller salmon species. A great alternative for downrigger/planer boards when trolling in the Great Lakes. Also a perfect shore rod for casting spoons and spinners at the river mouths. Handle = 158; Line Weight = 10-40

Btw... you being a Canuck, you would never be able to live it down here on the Westcoast if you showed up with a levelwind! :D :D

Whichever you choose… enjoy your new rod! :D
 
Thanks Charlie I appreciate the heads up on the levelwinds although I've seen many locals using them in the rivers and on boats for Halibut. Rods and reels are tools and I would never limit myself to only using a screwdriver for everything I do anymore than I would use only single action reels. The reason that I asked about the handles in the first place was because I want to go to a single action reels on my boat but I know you're just having fun with me. It does seem that the Islander style reels coupled with a long powerful rod are THE best tool )and the most fun) for the sportsman's use in catching Salmon. I'm still confused by the Loomis mooching rods with a C in the model number I have the ordering catalog and all the mooching rods have a C in the model number. Could the C stand for "Classic" instead of casting? I guess I'll have to call them.
 
Mine is a STR1265C and yes it did have a casting handle, but a file fixed it. I had this done by the dealer I purchased it from. Did not affect the rod in any way. Awesome with the MR3


/fishon
 
Back
Top