[snoryder]

I recently purchased a spey rod. A Loomis GL3 14' 8-9 wt. I got a really good deal and since it is my first spey rod, I wanted others opinion. So watcha guys think, will it do? are there any problems with this blank?

I'm currently looking for a reel, anyone have any good deals? closeouts? I can't wait to get everything together and hook my first steelie or salmon.

Later

 

[fredaevans]

This is my "go to rod" for both summer and winter

sinking tips. It will throw a 26' 300 grain RIO big boy head, a 15' VI for a 8wt, or anything in between. Don't care for the rod for dry line work at all ... but for tips! Pure Heaven.
Fred

For "running line" what I did was take a 10 wt 120 foot DT line, cut it in to (not necessary, unless you want more than one) two sections of 60' each. Could also just take a 'regular' 90 footer and cut off one forward taper. Added loops and good to go. Cheap, easy and you can put the 26' rio and all 60 feet of DT in the air with this thing with ease.
fe

 

[t_richerzhagen]

Which End?

Fred,
I assume you attach the belly end to the sinking tip and the "tip of the 60 ft" to running line or backing?

 

[fredaevans]

Roger that on the connection 'points.'

Should add that I 'up line' the DT 2 line wt's as this gives me the "grains" needed to cast the head. Another point crossed my pea sized brain. With the lighter/shorter heads (if you wanted to stick with the 15 footers) you'd probably be better snipping the tip off a 90' DT. With the lighter/shorter heads I've got every bit of the 60 foot off the reel.

Hook fish and you're working out of your backing from the 'get-go.'
fae

 

[snoryder]

Did I forget to mention I was a beginner. You lost me right from the begining. lol. You mentioned you like the rod for sink tips, so thats a good sign, I'm curious why it won't work for dry. Anyways, what line do you suggest I use and what length, I have no clue at all what to purchase, I basically need a setup to start steelheading this fall. I know there are different lengths for different applications, thats why I'm so confused, so if you can point me in the right direction to shed some light, that would be super.

thanks for your help. much appreciated.

 

[Bob Pauli]

line choice

Try the Rio Products web site: www.rioproducts.com
Then select "spey line specs"

Following the Rio recommendation has always worked for me. Below is the recommendation for your rod

For a GL3 - 14' # 8/9 for a caster preferring fast action select
WindCutter 7/8/9.

For a caster preferring slower rod action select WindCutter 8/9/10 .
________
Honda ST series

 

[snoryder]

Thanks

 

[Whiskey Dick]

Hi snoryder, Bob Pauli is right on, I would go with the windcutter 8/9/10 for starting out on this rod and get the multi tip line and you will be able to cover all types of fishing conditions. This rod will handle a floating line well, i think fredevans prefers his Sages for his floating line fishing and i am sure he will reply soon and tell me i am wrong(LOL). Good luck and welcome to Spey Casting,tight lines,brian:devil: