[tpcollins]

I could use some help in deciding which Spey rod is better, the Sage 8126-3 or the Gloomis FR1388/9-3 GLX Spey fly rod? I'm not really into Spey casting yet, I'm just looking for a great rod for Steelhead and light Salmon fishing. I fish mainly on the Muskgeon and the Big Manistee rivers here in Michigan. I like the idea of a two handed rod for fighting the Salmon since I'm 55 and the two handed rod seems a great choice for leverage. I plan to use it as a conventional fly rod throwing flies at times and then use shooting line with a weighted leader to throw egg patterns and caddis larva. I bought a Sage 8126-3 a month ago and got a great deal but this rod seems a bit heavy and could be rather tiring to use all day long, I'm not sure. Although I have never held one in my hands, my first choice has always been the Gloomis FR1388/9-3 two handled GLX rod. It's a foot shorter at 11'6" than the Sage plus I believe it's considerably lighter. I've been able to locate one at a great price, so I'm wondering should I sell my brand new unused Sage and buy the Gloomis or keep the Sage? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SpeyFitter]

A note on leverage....

A shorter rod will generally give you more leverage for fighting fish. It's why you see guys using 5-7 foot (and even shorter) very stout rods when fighting big game (with conventional tacke) such as halibut, sturgeon, etc, as well as you generally don't find any 12-15 fly weight rods that are over 9 feet in length. These fly rods are generally used for targetting bigger game because of the larger flies, and more grains they can cast. The shorter length on these fly rods also has to do with leverage for fighting the fish. The shortest rod may not be the best choice for fighting fish all the time though, but if you want to talk leverage, it certainly is.

I would guess the Sage, being almost a foot longer, would obviously weigh more, but would give you more leeway towards completing the spey casts with more ease if that is something you want to tackle. Loomis generally has very light rods, although that isn't neccessarily the best option. Considering your fatigue though the Loomis might be a nice change.

Also consider warranty though. Loomis from my knowledge charges a fee for replacements/repairs/warranty, where as Sage charges a 20 dollar fee, but that is to cover return shipping.

Scott

 

[Rodmaker]

Hello tpcollins

When you want to fish a long one hand rod buy the Loomis 1388/9-3. For two hand and spey fishing has the rod not a good feeling because the cork grip has not the right dimension.
For me the best light way two hand rod on the market is my custom build Loomis GLX 13ft line8-9.
I test many other fast action rods but I found no other rod that makes the job so perfect.
The problem by Loomis is the workmanship of the rods, it`s not like Sage but the GLX-Blanks are for me the best on the market.

Best wishes from Germany
Taki

 

[GBSkunk]

I have the GLoomis 11 1/2' 8/9 wt. It's a very very light rod. It's easy to fish all day. I have an 8/9/10 Windcutter on mine and I love it for fishing the smaller rivers. It doesn't cast a short line real well though. Seems I have to have at least 30 feet out before the rod begins to load. (not that it's a problem getting the line out at short distances) I love the short handle. I fish this spey style and overhead style. I understand this is Steve Rajeff's favorite rod.
My buddy wants to buy this rod too. If you don't take the "deal" let me know.

 

[tpcollins]

The GLX deal

I passed on the deal since I wound up buying the blank on Ebay and will custom build my own. Jack was going to order me the FR 1388/9-3 GLX rod; sock, and tube for $525 plus $15 shipping. His email is;

"Jack Cary Maycumber"

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