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Skagit Rods

11K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  KerryS 
#1 ·
I am currious as to what most guys like, who are skagit casters. Specifically the guys who fish winter fish in the PNW. I have fished the Skagit and the other S rivers, and found that the gear that I typically fish is a lot longer than what most guys use. I also found it interesting that some also had rods designed for long belly fishing with shooting heads. What rod if you were limited to only one would you choose.
 
#3 ·
I'm mostly out on the GL's but have been playing with the skagit systems for about 2 years now. I feel like I have the fundamentals down and fish them in very cold water.

I love the Loomis series that Ed helped design. The 8/9 is the rod you will find in my hands 80% of the time. If I need to throw big tips, throw far, or the weather is bad the 9/10 will come out. I find the 9/10 to be a better at casting distance and into wind, but it lacks the soul of the 8/9. Both of mine are GLX models.

My goal over the next year is to add the 6/7 and 7/8 for lighter line work when the rivers are low. I've cast a friends 7/8 and it is more like the 8/9, but definitely lighter.

I match mine with the Airflo lines, although if conditions are tough the Rio skagit off the 9/10 will throw a big tip in howling winds better than the Airflo.

Good Luck.
Gillie
 
#4 ·
Hey Kid...

What rod if you were limited to only one would you choose.
__________________

The rod your trying to sell will make a fine skagit rod.
 
#7 ·
Skagit rods

I have the Loomis 8/9 GLX Dredger, which is a great rod. Think Loomis went out on a limb designing such specialty rods, but for the purpose, they are right on the money. No need for longer rods (though they will work) because the heads are pretty short. I suppose a longer rod could provide some advantage in pulling a sink tip to the surface without a roll cast, but one of the beauties of Skagit casting is using smaller rods to throw very fast sinking tips and big, heavy flies.
 
#9 ·
Sparky,

Cut the guy some slack.

Speykid, you might want to do a search on "skagit" and check for threads on the subject. Ed Ward did a great post a while back (I think someone referenced it already) and gave specific rods that he favors without regard to brand/'endorsement deals'.

With that said, if this thread lasts long enough I can almost guess who will say what, but the rods that will appear will include but not be limited to:

CND Solstice 13'4"
CND Solstice 14'3"
CND North Fork Specialist
CND Skagit Specialist
Meiser MKS rods
Meiser 126456 Highlander
Meiser 12678 Highlander
Anderson 1336/Meiser 1356
Burkie 7125
Burkie 8139
Sage 5120
Sage 6126
Sage 9140
Sage Z-Axis
Sage VT2s
Scott ARC 1287 and 1308
Scott LS2 1307
Winston BIIxs
Loomis Dredgers
Loomis Greased Line 15' 7/8
Fly Logic Dec Hogans
Echo Classic
TFO Skagit Series
T&T

And those are just the ones that have received positive feedback from members and I am sure I missed a couple!
 
#13 ·
Hey, what about the Burkie 8133? That's my Skagit rod.

JGS said:
Sparky,

Cut the guy some slack.

Speykid, you might want to do a search on "skagit" and check for threads on the subject. Ed Ward did a great post a while back (I think someone referenced it already) and gave specific rods that he favors without regard to brand/'endorsement deals'.

With that said, if this thread lasts long enough I can almost guess who will say what, but the rods that will appear will include but not be limited to:

CND Solstice 13'4"
CND Solstice 14'3"
CND North Fork Specialist
CND Skagit Specialist
Meiser MKS rods
Meiser 126456 Highlander
Meiser 12678 Highlander
Anderson 1336/Meiser 1356
Burkie 7125
Burkie 8139
Sage 5120
Sage 6126
Sage 9140
Sage Z-Axis
Sage VT2s
Scott ARC 1287 and 1308
Scott LS2 1307
Winston BIIxs
Loomis Dredgers
Loomis Greased Line 15' 7/8
Fly Logic Dec Hogans
Echo Classic
TFO Skagit Series
T&T

And those are just the ones that have received positive feedback from members and I am sure I missed a couple!
 
#14 ·
8133 - What skagit lines?

Wrke,

What line are you using for skagit on the 8133? I like my 8133 but have yet to find a skagit line that allows me to use the comfortable stroke I get with my 8139 or 1367 MKS. I've heard of an Airflo 9/10 cut down 3'-4'. Just cut one but have yet to cast it.

Thanks, jgs
 
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