Hey guys. I picked up a shimano convergence from a friend for a good deal. Before i strip it down i was wondering what the steelhead fisherman think of rod. It feels a bit heavy and whippy but i havent used it on the creek. Please let me know what you think of rod.
Also there are only 11 guides on this rod. When i build other steelhead rods i run 13 or 14. Should i follow the spacing of guides already on this rod.
As always thanks for the help.
Sincerely,
Dan Colville

Dan,

I use a 10' Shimano convergence for salmon, and steelhead and I like it very much. I also have a 10'6" convergence that I don't like. This is still a factory made rod, and it is not sensitive enough (both are casting rods). Might just be whatever they put under the reel seat, but not sure.

Also, I would work up my own guide spacing for this individual rod, and not rely on what Shimano did.

Good luck,
Chris

I have a 10'6" Convergence mooching rod that I slapped a spinning reel on and use as my jig and bobber rod for steelhead. It works very well for that purpose and, given the extreme length of your blank, I can't imagine using it for anything other than a jig and bobber rod. I know it will look bizarre at first, casting a spinning reel out those tiny casting guides, but I've found it works just fine for my purposes.

Good luck,
-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon