We believe the two most important factors in a steelhead rod are line control and SENSITIVITY. No matter where you fish or which technique you choose, there's a steelhead rod that offers you maximum CONTROl. If you fish small coastal streams, you can get by with a shorter rod. If, on the other hand, you frequent big, wide rivers, longer rods are definitely the way to go (for a variety of reasons, including optimum line angle, river drag and sensitivity). As for sensitivity, it doesn't matter whether you plunk, drift-fish from shore, or use a boat: knowing what's going on at the end of your line is absolutely crucial for successful steelheading. These fish may be big, but for the most part their bite is incredibly subtle. That's why we DESIGN these rods with a fairly soft tip and the most sensitive materials possible. Select the rod that matches your angling situation and be sure to give careful consideration to the different levels of graphite performance available. The extra power of the 1263 will get you steelhead in larger rivers-especially drift fishermen who require long casts to reach those slots on the far bank. This rod is powerful enough for light-duty mooching for silvers, and it's an especially good float rod. 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!
