Heavier float rods

[MJL]

Hi guys. I’m currently in the market for a heavier float rod for bigger steelhead in bigger rivers. Planning to use 12-15lb Mainlines, 8-12lb leaders, 10-25gr floats and size 2/0 to 2 hooks. I have a few blanks on the short list but would be interested in some opinions before I bite the bullet. Although most of the heavier float rods I’ve built in the past for friends were on 7-8wt Sage spey blanks, unfortunately, $300-$450 for a blank is out of my budget for this build.

 

Short list of blanks under $200 I have in mind

- 13’ 7wt Forecast RX7 spey blank

- 11’3” Lamiglas (8-15lb)

- 11’6” Raven IM6 (6-12lb)

 

At the moment I’m torn between the 13’ 7wt Forecast blank and the 11’3” Lamiglas. I prefer the length of the Forecast and the fact that it is 4pc for easier transport, however the Lamiglas is essentially purpose built for what I’m hoping to do. Anyone ever use either of these rods? Are there other rods I should also be looking into?

 

Also appreciate it if someone could provide me with some contact info on purchasing a Forecast blank for a decent price here in Ontario.

 

Thanks

 

Mike

Edited September 23, 2012 by MJL

[wallacio]

Mike,

 

If you don't want to break the bank, see if you can track down an old 13' St. Croix Avid (not the current line). I have one and use it for the odd time I fish for Kings in estuaries but it primarily sees duty as my big water/big fish rod.

[bare foot wader]

batson xst1562-3...spiel built one up for me, same intended purpose as you plus coho's, pink and occasional chinny...it's a great stick

[kemper]

Ever fished the 3 piece XST? Its a complete beast...built one last year

[solopaddler]

Ever fished the 3 piece XST? Its a complete beast...built one last year

 

Agreed 100%. The 13'3pc XST has got all the power you'll ever need and is still far less cumbersome than any spey conversion.

[MJL]

Thanks a lot guys. Really appreciate the feedback. After some thought on transportation and practicality, I probably will settle on the 13' 3pc XST. I plan to take the rod on its maiden voyage to a land where the steelhead average 10-13lbs (with 20lbs not uncommon and 30lbs very rare but definitely possible). I'm definitely excited

 

Cheers

[solopaddler]

I plan to take the rod on its maiden voyage to a land where the steelhead average 10-13lbs (with 20lbs not uncommon and 30lbs very rare but definitely possible). I'm definitely excited

 

Cheers

 

 

Do tell.

[MJL]

Do tell.

 

It’s a 40+hr drive from the Geen...A jet boat and bear spray may be involved on this particular excursion

[solopaddler]

It’s a 40+hr drive from the Geen...A jet boat and bear spray may be involved on this particular excursion

 

Ask Bill to join you, he's got experience handling bears.

 

40 hours from the Geen? I've always wanted to fish the Skeena system.

 

There is no other viable destination for a steelheader.

[BillM]

I've got experience with that, I'd be happy to tag along, lol!!!

 

Mr.Borger, I think I need to check Alaska off my list!

[solopaddler]

I've got experience with that, I'd be happy to tag along, lol!!!

 

Mr.Borger, I think I need to check Alaska off my list!

 

 

When Dave gets back we'll talk to him about an April trip.

[RickOnt]

Alaska!! In April??

 

You were pushing it with the Attawapiskat in May! LOL

 

But, We all know how that turned out!

 

Rick

[RickOnt]

Sorry MJ

 

Did not want to HiJack your post.

 

Rick

[solopaddler]

Alaska!! In April??

 

You were pushing it with the Attawapiskat in May! LOL

 

But, We all know how that turned out!

 

Rick

 

 

Shouldn't you be packing?

Edited September 25, 2012 by Mike Borger

[kemper]

Thanks a lot guys. Really appreciate the feedback. After some thought on transportation and practicality, I probably will settle on the 13' 3pc XST. I plan to take the rod on its maiden voyage to a land where the steelhead average 10-13lbs (with 20lbs not uncommon and 30lbs very rare but definitely possible). I'm definitely excited

 

Cheers

 

I haven't met a fish yet that couldn't be tamed with mine, just make sure you throw away every strand of lead you own and go buy something in the 8-10lb range. That pool cue blows up leads and snaps hooks like no tomorrow until you figure out which ones can take the abuse.

[bare foot wader]

i fish 20 lb braid on mine...tried nanofil and power pro but settled on that p-line hydra float, i can't find the 15 lb line or i'd run that...top shot the last 15' or so with 20 lb mono and fish 8-15 lb leaders

 

it's a perfect big water rod

[solopaddler]

Should mention, if it is the Skeena you're fishing, especially out of a boat, you will be seriously undergunned with the XST. You'd definitely require a meaty spey conversion imo.

 

However if it's some of the smaller trib's later in the fall when the fish are all coloured up and not near as electric that rod will serve you well.

[kemper]

Should mention, if it is the Skeena you're fishing, especially out of a boat, you will be seriously undergunned with the XST. You'd definitely require a meaty spey conversion imo.

 

However if it's some of the smaller trib's later in the fall when the fish are all coloured up and not near as electric that rod will serve you well.

 

Good call Mike.

 

Batson also makes a variety of Spey blanks that can be had for an excellent price...

[highdrifter]

Mike,

 

Funny you mention the 11’6” Raven IM6.

 

I've had one for a number of years and it's by far my favourite big water rod for throwing hardware.

 

I spool a 3000 stradic with 20lb spide wire and double uni a length of 12lb fluro at the business end.

 

I had wicked fun with it throwing big spinners on the 'geen with solo last fall!!

 

cheers

HD

Edited September 25, 2012 by Highdrifter

[solopaddler]

 

 

I had wicked fun with it throwing big spinners on the 'geen with solo last fall!!

 

cheers

HD

 

 

Where you been hiding dude? I'm looking forward to doing that again with you.

 

I have a new spinning reel for tossing hardware this fall, a Pfleuger Patriarch 9540, can't wait.