[troutchaser]

Hey Guys,
My float rod broke on me which is very exciting because its an incentive to finally upgrade and buy a new rod. Being fairly new to the sport, can some of the more experienced members suggest some rods to consider?
So far Im aware of a rainshadow xst, raven im8 and raven rv9, reviews on any of them?
Thanks,
TC

[Blair]

troutchaser, on 29 December 2011 - 12:24 PM, said:

Hey Guys,
My float rod broke on me which is very exciting because its an incentive to finally upgrade and buy a new rod. Being fairly new to the sport, can some of the more experienced members suggest some rods to consider?
So far Im aware of a rainshadow xst, raven im8 and raven rv9, reviews on any of them?
Thanks,
TC

Take your REEL with you out to a couple of stores.
Look, feel and see which one you LIKE the MOST!

Then buy it an ENJOY!

*SMILES*

Let us know which one worked out best for you!
Congrats on the adventure.



RAVEN FLOAT FISHING RODS

All Raven float rods are specifically designed for float fishing, with features that other float rods simply can’t provide. Long float rods provide increased float control and cleaner hook sets, which allow you to fish deeper holes and make longer drifts than can be achieved with any standard length rod. Their parabolic action is designed to absorb the impact of a hard fighting fish on light line.

When selecting a Raven float rod, the following should be considered:

Rod Action is determined by the blank design as well as the modulus of graphite fibre it is made from.

Raven RV9: Raven's exclusive RV9 is the new benchmark of excellence. Multi-modulus graphite delivers an ultra-slim blanc with amazing sensitivity and ultra responsive action. Raven Pro staff Reports..." A bit of a phenomenal"... "Your best rod yet"... "wow"

Raven IM9: A super stiff, extra crisp action ideal for fishing heavier set-ups with larger hooks and heavier line. The Raven IM9 float rod, has the power to turn big fish in fast water and delivers extremely fast hook sets, even at long range.

Raven IM8: This float rod delivers crisp, clean action. The Raven IM8 offers versatility in what and where you can fish. It is soft enough to protect light lines, but powerful enough to handle large floats and fast water.

Raven IM6: This is Ravens original, delivering traditional action. The IM6 is ideally suited for light to medium set-ups. Its relatively soft, cushioning action protects the hook from ripping out and light lines from breaking.

Raven IM6 Winter Edition: - Released / Oct 2010 - After numerous trials and years of development, the Raven Winter Edition float rod finally resolves ice-up problems on those frosty winter mornings. An extra large Titanium REC Recoil tip top and three oversized REC Recoil titanium snake guides along the tip deflect water off the line and away from the guides - all but eliminating ice-ups. Should any ice build up occur during extreme cold, it can be easily knocked off by flexing the recoil guides. The balance of the rod is ringed with traditional TiCH high frame guides. "Prototype was tested at -20 with virtually no ice-ups"
Raven Matrix MXG: These float rods are a great value with easy handling and a punchy action. The rods deliver good line control and plenty of power when needed.





G. Loomis offers a variety of float rods designed with tough structure-filled holding water in mind to suit your needs. They are unequalled in maximizing this successful and increasingly popular fishing technique using a float and allowing your bait to reach the correct depth and stay in the strike zone longer. The float rods are available in a range of series as depicted bellow, and in a variety of lengths, action, and power for easier line mending and added hook setting power demanded by today’s Great Lakes Steelheaders and the raw power of their adversaries...

GLX CENTER PIN RODS: High performance center pin float rods, G. Loomis is proud to offer four new models that cover all your float needs, from the great lakes to the pacific northwest. These float rods have very light yet strong tips that say goodbye to "tip sag." While other manufacturers have to add more material to create long rods like these, resulting in heavy sagging tips, we chose to use our proprietary GLX graphite. The rods are finished with extra long cork and composite handles for perfect balance and reel positioning, then matched with the finest high frame titanium recoil guides from Rec for higher sensitivity and reduced weight. The result is the lightest, fastest float rod of this length anywhere. **G. Loomis felt rod sock included

STR1352-GLX ... The 11'3" length makes this the perfect float rod for the famous creeks of Pennsylvania and Indiana, and anywhere breaking through brush or fishing tight water is required. This float rod has a soft enough tip to protect light leaders where water clarity requires them, yet maintain the power to turn a fresh run steelhead anywhere.

STR1562-GLX ... This float rod, referred to as the GLX 13' 2 power, is a great all-around rod no matter where you fish. The 13 foot length and high speed make casting floats of any size a dream. Its super light weight balances with almost any pin reel making long days with no arm fatigue possible for the first time.

STR1563-GLX ... Big water, heavy flows and large floats are no match for this 3 power GLX float rod. It's hard to believe a rod this light can handle 6-10 pound leaders and still have the speed to set hooks at distances never thought possible. This rod will also double as a coho/king rod in waters from BC to Oregon.

STR1803-GLX ... 15 foot, fast and light, never before has this option been available. With a 6-10 pound line rating this float rod can master anything from the pier heads of Wisconsin to the Manistee, Thomson or the mighty Niagara. The extra length helps aid in extra long casts of oversized floats, keeping the line off the water and tiring fish in the largest steelhead water in the world.

SALMON-(SAR) & STEELHEAD-(STR) SERIES CLASIC RODS: G. Loomis newest Salmon and Steelhead Rods. Available with long fore grips allowing you to put your hand ahead of the reel, increasing leverage and allowing for a smooth, consistent lift of the rod tip without reel movement. The longer length allows you to easily mend your line and land big fish on lighter tippets. From crazy Coho to hard fighting Kings, on large and small streams alike, this is the sweetest of the bunch for river fishing, or when targeting Chinook on your Sitka, Alaska trip. Just make sure you have plenty of line on your center-pin reel. This is the mac daddy when mooching or trolling with heavy weights and long leaders. Rain gear and a nice digital camera make nice accessories when fishing this rod.

-new addition- STR1141S-IMX ...Since G. Loomis retired the legendary 1562-13', we are pleased to still be able to offer you an IMX but in 9'6" length. The 1141 IMX makes an excellent contender in those tight rivers housing trophy size steelhead! Its a deceptively powerful light-line steelhead float/spinning rod. It has the perfect action to handle light line and a subtle power that tires the fish very quickly. It was designed for the Northwest technique known as boondogging, where boat anglers drift with the current, allowing the bait to maintain a drag-free drift beside the boat but will perform just as well when used at shore streamside drifting a float. This is a soft yet sensitive rod so the bite is detected quickly before the fish can react and drop the bait. G. Loomis felt rod sock included

-new addition- STR1263C-GL3 ...This is a nice blend of power and finesse in an extra-long drift rod. It's designed specifically for the big rivers of British Columbia where you need a little more sensitivity to detect the subtle take of a steelhead. It has a medium power rating that makes it ideal for summer steelhead and the small fall salmon species. GL3 gives you a great combination of strength and sensitivity. Light enough to fish all day, tough enough to last a lifetime!

STR1201S-SK .....A specialty steelhead rod designed to fish the smaller, streams of the Great Lakes region, where you need a quick hook-set to keep the fish clear of brush and logs. The handle grips are reversed from the traditional western rod styles, with a long foregrip and short rear grip. This lets the angler put his hand ahead of the reel. That way he can lift the rod tip quickly without having to lift the reel. In fact, the reel acts as a counterweight.

STR1265S ...This

STR1264-BC ....A specialty steelhead rod designed to fish the streams of the Great Lakes region, where you need a quick hook-set to keep the fish clear of brush and logs. This would be the ultimate winter run rod, bigger floats, lots of split shot followed by the coolest bead pattern in the box. If you're looking for long drag free drifts, this is the stick.

SAR1363 BC ...This steelhead and small salmon rod is reversed from the traditional western style. It has a long fore grip with a short rear grip, allowing you to put your hand ahead of the reel, increasing leverage and allowing for a smooth, consistent lift of the rod tip without reel movement. The longer length allows you to easily mend your line and land big fish on lighter tippets. From crazy Coho to hard fighting Kings, on large and small streams alike, this is the sweetest of the bunch for river fishing.


TANGENT CUSTOM FLOAT ROD

The Tangent Custom float Rod 354 is designed in Canada, and its a new release for 2010. Upon assembly, this rod offers a lightweight feel, and seems to be well crafted using quality components with adequate guide spacing for its length. Its mid range and bottom-end power seems intact & complemented by its soft yet crisp-controllable tip, which should be beneficial for accurate casts and light leaders. The makers are indicating the tangent's design and specifications are inspired by the Sage 13'6" float rod, and at 1/3rd lower in cost, it rings in at a bargain price and a sure winner riverside.



SPECIAL FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS:


• 13 in total Fuji Sic Titanium high frame guides
• 5mm oversized top-tip guide "reduces problems in ice-up conditions"
• Convenient hook keeper and protective rubber but-cap
• Quality cork handle with wood accents & alloy reel seat
• Gloss brown graphite blanc with two-tone copper-brown color wraps
• 19.5 in. total handle length/ 11in. but length
• Weighs about 7.5 oz with good balance but to tip


OKUMA FLOAT RODS

Okuma float rods are available in the Aventa and Guide Select models. Both of these rods feature uncompromising performance and craftsmanship at a price only Okuma can deliver. These float rods are built using quality components and are designed with rod actions to match okuma’s own aventa or sheffield centrepins. Quality features include premium cork handles, added butt caps, high frame guides, hook keepers and gleaming finishes. Available in five models with per model specifications listed in the charts bellow.


MODEL DESCRIPTION:
AVENTA FLOAT ROD: Ideal start-up rod with uncompromising quality or performance at a great price. Best suited for the Centerpin angler seeking the advantages of using a longer float rod utilizing light leaders, and enjoying the benefits float fishing has to offer.

GUIDE SELECT FLOAT ROD: Okuma’s best, IM-8 graphite blank construction - EVO graph: reinforced graphite weave, fuji hard alconite guide inserts, fuji lightweight new concept guide frames, Fuji black hooded reel seats. Custom embroidered rod case for break-down transport, and one of the lightest rods in the marketplace in this price range.




FENWICK FLOAT FISHING RODS

When you’re on the water holding a Fenwick rod, there is 50 years of legendary performance in the making, and dating back to the Pacific Northwest in the late 40’s. Today, Fenwick’s tradition of technology continues to meet the specialized needs of avid anglers and technology continues to drive its designers, engineers and pro staffers to develop sophisticated fishing rods specifically designed for most all specialized fishing applications.

HMX Float Rods ...Fasphite reel seats & pped with the excellent craftsmanship expected in a Fenwick rod.

PFLUEGER TRION FLOAT RODS


Pflueger products are known for their innovation, dependability & attention to detail. These float rods will work with either spinning or float reels & feature quality workmanship and components backed by an excellent warranty at affordable prices. a sliding ring reel seat on the 12'6", and as mostly common on float rods allows a beginner starting out in float fishing to reposition the reel after a few outings for best comfort and balance.

Features
• High Modulus HM-45 composite graphite
• Premium Fuji® guides and reel seats on all models
• Blank-through-handle construction for added strength and sensitivity
• Top grade cork grips with protective rubber butt cap.
• Hook keeper
• Five year limited warranty


<A name=bell>ADVENTURE RIVER RODS - STEELHEAD RODS


Looking for a nice rod and at a great price? These might fill your need. These rods cater to everyone, from the part time "once in a while" angler to the more frequent avid steelheader not getting enough! Not everyone wants to spend big bucks on rods & gear, so we looked around for some quality rods at a great price. No disappointments here! When taking up the sport, but on a strict budget, these rods will impress you. They offer lightness, quality components, a winter use friendly design, and performance capable in three length's for most rivers and one's comfort.

15' - Burgundy IM6 Graphite with dark burgundy/gold wraps, Quality cork handle(19" long) with sliding rings, high frame ceramic guides(15 total), 5mm oversized top guides to help handle icy conditions, convenient hook keeper, super light feel 15 ft at (8.0oz total rod weight), excellent balance without any noticeable tip-heaviness. Use with spinning or float reels

12'6"- Charcoal color IM6 Graphite with copper/gold/red wraps, quality cork handle(20" long), Graphite fixed reel seat with reel positioning at 3.5" from top side down the handle., high frame hard alloy/alconite guides(11 total), Super size top guides at 10mm id should just about eliminate ice-ups in sub zero temps. 7.2oz total rod weight. Use with spinning or float reels.

10'6"- Charcoal color IM6 Graphite with copper/gold/red wraps, quality cork handle(20" long), Graphite fixed reel seat with reel positioning at 3.5" from top side down the handle., high frame hard alloy/alconite guides(10 total), Super size top guides at 10mm id should just about eliminate ice-ups in sub zero temps. 7.0 oz total rod weight. Use with spinning or float reels.

[christotheashto]

you could have just given him the link to centerpinangling.com instead of copy and pasting their entire float rods product page LOL

[Luke]

I just picked up a new one, Okuma Guide Series 13'6" , its an IM8 rod took it out on the water today for a test run and on the one steelie I got it worked great.

Came recommended by the steelheader at the store, I read some reviews on various forums and a lot of float guys compare them to the 3-4 more expensive g loomis rods.

[despotiko]

I've fished all three, the im8 is the only one i got left lol. All three are pretty similar to be honest, id get the im8 and use the extra coin on some other gear. Plus ive got an im8 i can sell to you if your interested.

[despotiko]

I've fished all three, the im8 is the only one i got left lol. All three are pretty similar to be honest, id get the im8 and use the extra coin on some other gear. Plus ive got an im8 i can sell to you if your interested. The rainshadow and rv9 fish almost exactly the same, as they are both the same blend of graphite. The rainshadow is a tad lighter when counter balanced properly. The im8 isnt as forgiving on lighter leaders, but ive turned some tanks on it. Really you cant go wrong with any of these rods, IMO the three best low-mid price float rods. they can handle small tribs to big flows equally well. What kind of water do you fish regularly? Maybe theres something else out there that suits you best.

[Fishheads]

IMO I would get the RV9. Best raven yet. It has become my go to rod

[Fishheads]

IMO I would get the RV9. Best raven yet. It has become my go to rod

[ChaseChrome]

Consider a day of drifting--no matter the rod your arm will feel it. I have found the IMs a little heavy, a 15 footer definitely too long for our waters. Gotta go wish the FishHead guys--the RV9 is a great stick.

Sometimes I go out bush whacking with my cheap Fenwick HMX...

[float^drifter]

all raven rods i find heavy, or at least if u plan to fish with them the whole day. I love my im8 but only use it if i dont plan to fish the entire day the only rods i can hold all day without no problems is my GLX and my IMX. Few of my buddies purchased RV9 recently and they love it to each their own i guess.

[CJR]

float^drifter, on 30 December 2011 - 04:31 PM, said:

all raven rods i find heavy, or at least if u plan to fish with them the whole day. I love my im8 but only use it if i dont plan to fish the entire day the only rods i can hold all day without no problems is my GLX and my IMX. Few of my buddies purchased RV9 recently and they love it to each their own i guess.

im8 or rv9.

I've been using the 14 foot im8 for a while now, and I love it. It is a bit on the heavy side, but I haven't had any issues with using it for the entire day, but to each his own .

[georgianbaydrifter]

ran IM6 for 5 years it was a great rod but a little bit light in heavy winds but its soft action was great for running the light leaders needed up here. went down in price to a shimano clarus this year great rod for the money lots of power but still enough whip to handle .15mm leaders

[ChaseChrome]

I have a line on a custom CTS for about $450 (what you think?)
Next week I will pick up an GLX regardless of the exploding graphite I've experienced with my GLX fly rod...hmmmmmmm

Maybe I've asked before but has anyone fished the Canadian Tangent??

[RiverNinja]

ChaseChrome, on 12 January 2012 - 01:09 PM, said:

I have a line on a custom CTS for about $450 (what you think?)
Next week I will pick up an GLX regardless of the exploding graphite I've experienced with my GLX fly rod...hmmmmmmm

Maybe I've asked before but has anyone fished the Canadian Tangent??

I don't think you will be disappointed, Chase.. I just picked one up and really like it... Esp like the REC Ti guides..

Question:
Did you try to get manufacturer's warranty on the GLX blank that exploded on you?
-They have a lifetime warranty against defects..

[ChaseChrome]

RiverNinja, on 13 January 2012 - 02:33 PM, said:

I don't think you will be disappointed, Chase.. I just picked one up and really like it... Esp like the REC Ti guides..

Question:
Did you try to get manufacturer's warranty on the GLX blank that exploded on you?
-They have a lifetime warranty against defects..

I did in fact Ninja-it was during the time when Loomis was still wrapping rods up the hill from me here at Mnt. Hope.

(Know anything bout the Tangent rod??? Made in Canada...)

[TRINIBOY]

ChaseChrome, on 30 December 2011 - 08:44 AM, said:

Consider a day of drifting--no matter the rod your arm will feel it. I have found the IMs a little heavy, a 15 footer definitely too long for our waters. Gotta go wish the FishHead guys--the RV9 is a great stick.

Sometimes I go out bush whacking with my cheap Fenwick HMX...

Had to laugh when you mentioned you also owned a Fenwick HMX... I have one also and do not find it lives up the the hype hat was made about the sensitivity.
But I will say it has landed me some beauty Wally's...