I'd appreciate some advice on a rod to build for for Great Lakes steelhead.

I'd like a single rod to handle drift fishing (usually with spawn sacks) from the shore of Great Lakes tributatries and casting spoons and spinners good distances at the river mouths. This rod will probably also get a trip to Alaska chasing silvers.

I figure on using a spinning reel loaded with 10lb mono, maybe 12, and a spare spool of 20lb Power Pro, and casting spoons to max 3/4 oz.

I'm a novice on steelhead and won't get to fish for them often, so I'd like a rod that although not perfect for all circumstances is at least versatile.

I'm thinking of using Batson's IST1084F (9 ft 8-12 lb line) or maybe IST1143F (9 ft 6in 8-12 lb line)

Any advice?

not sure you will find a happy medium here. (both for casting and drifting).
For drifiting floats i like a longer rod (10') and' for bottom bouncing w/ split shots. I currently just have a 8'6" st crois wild river series (MH). It is not strong enough for spoon fishing though. I'm going to do a 10'6" this winter on a batson Rx7 (haven't decided which one yet) with a michigan handle. For spoons i would almost prefer a 8 -9'' baitcasting setup for fishing the pier heads. Something with mod-fast action for good casting distance but enough power to handle the fish from 12' above the waterline.

2 very different techniques and i don't think you'd be happy with the compromise is what i'm getting at.

I'm not a big steelhead guy either though - so i could definitely be wrong. I do have a friend in Traverse City who i could pose this quest to . He is a builder himself as well as a steelhead fanatic.
I'm located near Grand Rapids - btw. Was just out on a trib nearby getting nice kings a few days ago.

Regards,
-Justin

I'd look at the IST 1444F for throwing spoons or spinners that heavy. It would be a good 'Do it All" rod that would be effective for salmon also. The XST 1084F has a bit more backbone than the IST version and would work great also I think.

I'd look at the IST 1444F for throwing spoons or spinners that heavy. It would be a good 'Do it All" rod that would be effective for salmon also. The XST 1084F has a bit more backbone than the IST version and would work great also I think.

If you need a multiple Section rod check the blanks at WWW.munichrodmansrodshop.com
check the MSC blanks I had them all designed for the Erie and Great Lake fishery.
Mark Crouse
Or on the left : the Rod shop

Yup. I think you would be unhappy with one or the other method using one rod.

The Steelhead drift rod should be pretty sensitive and lighter than the rod you would use to throw spoons and fish for coho in Alaska. Id second Justin's suggestion for the spoon rod and this would be a good choice for throwing spinners or plugs in Alaska for Coho.

The Titanium Chrome Blanks from Rainshadow are great blanks for drift fishing. The XST1084F at 9' and rated 8-12lb line would be a great choice. The IST blanks you mentioned would be good as well and a good value for the money.

Terry

I agree with Spencer and I live and fish in Alaska and was from the GL area. The only thing I would add is the XST 1085 would be a better choice for Alaska; especially if you want to target the really big coho's and sockeyes in fast water. Just my .02

Paul

David - the Batson will be a very good choice for the spawn sacks. Call Batson and see what the next level up might be for the heavier stuff.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

several people emailed me about the "michigan handle" so i thought i would post this up.
[fish.shimano.com]

that is shimano's version (clarus), which is pretty much the gist of it.
Hope this helps

Regards,
-Justin

David,

I do this alot here in Wisconsin (steelies and browns) all year, and I am currently planning on building myself a new rod for drifting spawn sacs / yarn flies. I believe this rod would also work for casting spoons from the piers. The blank is a ST. Croix SC106MLF2. For 6-10# line, it has a 0.475 butt, 4 tip and weighs 3.4 ounces. This should do you quite nicely for your needs. With a similar setup (10-6 HMX) I pull in 15 to 20 pound browns / kings without much trouble using slip sinkers and 6 pound leaders. This new setup will not be much different in power, but will be lighter with a more sensitive tip to detect the "take".
I tend to build my rods with either a Michigan handle (size 20 graphite reel seat), or use a Tennessee grip (14-18 inches, i think) covered with X-cross shrink tubing and graphite slip rings.

Hope this helped.

Dave

You may want to look at this rod to see if it matches what you are looking for. 9’ 2 piece G Loomis IMX ST1084-2. I believe that most of the blank dealers stock this model.

Hello, is it possible that there will come a Batson XST 1144 next year?