Any advice or suggestions for a blank to be used with spinning reel to JIG for STEELHEAD? 1/8oz to 3/8oz jigs. River fishing from a boat.
Thanks guys

Harry T. Bell

A price range would give you more focused recommendations that are not all over the place.

A 7'6" HotShot or HS steelhead model from many of the blank manufacturers in the sponsors list to the left could be the right tool for you.

Sent you an email Harry

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Super Tight Lines......Don

what ross said. my favorite was the gloomis imx 9000

Harry,
depending upon whether you are side drifting or floating it from a stationary position the 9'6" models are probably the most commonly used for line control. I'd recommend looking at the MHX line and one of these models.
ST1141-MHX
ST1142-MHX

[www.mudhole.com]

regards,

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

You might also check out the Rainshadow IST1142F or IST 1143F. Both 9'6". You'll like the extra length for line management while bobber fishing, and these also make pretty decent drift rods as well.

Most anglers prefer at least a 9' rod and some up to 10' when bobber and jig fishing for steelhead. Match with a braided line of appropriate poundage as it will float and is easier to mend during the drift.

Terry

What kind of jigs are you intending to use? Most hot shot blanks are designed with a light fast tip, medium mid section and stout butt. I caught a 20 Lb. Steelhead on an 8' Loomis that has a telescoping grip and butt. I don't know many steelheader's that use jigs. Maybe just a matter of terminology.

So, Randy, I know you are up in Washington somewhere, but a lot of steelhead anglers are using marabou jigs under bobbers for steelhead. It's a very effective method for steelhead fishing and pretty easy to learn. A longer spinning rod gives you a big advantage over a hot shot rod which would be only 8' at the longest. The preferred set up is this rod, a 2000 or 2500 class spinning reel and braided main line, around 14lb or so gives a good casting and mending system. Floating a bobber with a 1/8 oz marabou jig (or a plastic worm, pink of course or a chunk of shrimp) has become pretty popular.

Most jig anglers are looking for a rod between 9 and 10 feet long, usually rated in the 6-10 or 8-12lb range for steelhead, and more substantial for chinook but still in the extended length. The MHX blanks that Todd recommended, and the Rainshadow blanks fit that category pretty well. Lamiglas also has a couple of good models to consider but are a little more money.

Hope this helps.

Terry

Terry, thanks for the information. Edmonds, WA. Western part of the State. The vast majority of the Steelhead rods that I make are for conventional reels, some (maybe 15% spinning) and some Centerpin rods. Many people here fish with egg clusters, ghost shrimp, spin n' glows, or hot shots. I have never had someone request a rod specifically for jig fishing for Steelhead. I do make a number of rods for jigging for Salmon using Buzz Bombs or similar lures usually in the 7 - 8 1/2' range. The centerpin rods are usually around 10' - 10 1/2' in length.

Yup. It's a big deal in Oregon and has been for a number of years. I know folks on the Olympic Peninsula are using this as well. Started off as a summer steelhead technique but it works equally well in winter. Pink and white marbou jigs under a float can be really deadly during winter. These are tied on a 1/8 oz jig head with a heavy wire hook. There are a number of styles, some with beads, some without but that's the basic style.

Spinning rods allow you to extend the drift with a float better than a casting reel and achieve a drag free drift. I've used casting reels for this but spinning reels are better. The rods that work best are at least 9' and up to 10' work really well to manage line, mend, etc. You should try it, it's a lot of fun to see that bobber go away. All the drift fishermen claim it's steelheading with training wheels. :-)

Terry

It does sound like fun, I will have to give it a try!! It sounds like a good place to use a Center pin rod. I have a nice 10 1/2 footer and a Hardy Silex reel that would be perfect for this. Thanks, Randy



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2014 04:36PM by Randolph Ruwe.