Planning on getting that same rod and pairing it with a 3k size Penn Battle 3 DX. that I already have. I grew up just down the highway from you in Rogue River, Oregon back in the 60's and 70's. We lived on east Evans Creek Road, the creek was my back yard and Steelhead ran it every spring. Then of course there was the Rogue itself, it was quite the wild untamed river back then, long before the Lost Creek Dam project was built. I have been living in NW ARKANSAS for the past 20 years lot's of catfishing and Striper fishing. It's been several decades since I last went Steelhead fishing, but I'll be retiring next year and plan on traveling to the PNW to catch some "Steelies" once again. Thanks for sharing. I've been watching several of your videos lately, enjoying them very much. Subbed!!!
Awesome! Winter Steelhead Season is just around the corner. I’ll be doing the 3rd annual ‘Steelhead December’ where I post new steelhead videos every Friday at 6PM and more gear / ‘how to’ videos midweek. This video was part of the original series. Thanks for subscribing and good luck this season.
I am also a Shimano man but I do have to give a shout out to the Pflueger President as a good entry level reel. I received one as a gift and have absolutely beat it up and it just keeps going. Granted it doesn’t see much use anymore in a lineup of Stradics and a Vanford.
I’ve heard good things about Pflueger, just never used them. I’ve just had such great luck with Shimano, I stick with them, even in the low end category.
Pleasantly surprised how good the Pflueger President 40 is, everything is so smooth with 10 ball bearings. I think the lower priced Shimanos are absolutely terrible and should be avoided, I have thrown several away. The Lew's Mach 2 are also a decent entry level reel but not quite as good as the Pflueger President. I think the Okuma SST is also a decent lower cost rod. I struggle with bait casters, so I always bring a spinning rod because I will mess something up eventually and usually end up using the spinning set up. I am just a part time sport fisher, but I do have 24 rods of various types including 3 Tenkara rods for back packing and travel.
@lelenbates3367 I’ve heard good things about the president and have handled one at the local sporting goods store, not bad. However, I think the entry level shimano reels are unbeatable for the cost. I’m not sure which models you’re referring to, but I wouldn’t go less expensive than the sienna which is usually $30-$40. I have 2 on my surf rods, which surf fishing is incredibly hard on reels and they still work great after several years. The key to is to keep them clean of salt water after each trip. I haven’t checked on Lew’s. I’m sure most of the current reels are decent, but I only recommend products I’ve used. Thank you for your thoughts. 🎣
I went one step up from X-11, Redline series. ($157) Have an older Quantum Smoke Speed Freak, size 30. I'm a Quantum guy like you with Shimanos. I've had a couple Stradics, those are smooth. Caught a 12 pound Chinook Oct18, Redline handled the fish with ease. I'm eyeing a Lamiglas SI series float rod next, probably a Stradic 2500 on it. It's truly an addiction.
I don’t consider this rig an entry level setup, certainly a bump or two up from that. It is however an excellent quality price point combo and you could do much worse for the same money. You might have gotten a great sale price and being a lower 48’er you can occasionally find great sales and internet pricing. I bought this rig today (85-2 MHS-Nasci 4000)) here in Alaska for $219 and change and that is still a great bang for the $$$’s. Thanks for a great review
Thank you for your thoughts. I do agree with you, my definition of ‘entry level’ is a quality set up at reasonable price. I could get a combo at the local ‘Mart’ for pretty cheap, but it would be horrible to learn with. Sounds like you found a great setup!
@@RAGEFISHING Agreed on the Mart specials!! I tend to invest $$ in fly rods and reels and keep it reasonable dollar wise for my conventional tackle rigs, though I do have a nice quiver of loomis for my Kenai kings rigs, which are currently dust collectors due to closures. Hope the run can recover! Thanks again for your vids-Ron
I’ve owned some of their higher end American made rods. These X11’s are made overseas to keep the cost down. My first float rod was a Certified Pro steelhead rod, I still have it. It’s responsible for many steelhead!
Oh nice. I just move to Alaska in 2021 and mostly did salt/brackish water before. Some rainbow trout fishing as well. I got the X-11 spinner and baitcaster so see how they do on salmon up here. I spent more on the reels to be honest. Great content by the way.
They aren’t too bad, yes the E6X is lighter, but it’s 2.5x the price and they just discontinued that line. X11’s are great at that price point, around $100.
@@RAGEFISHING i fly fish with all high end rods but sometimes I cant hit certain holes, thats why need a bobber in hand. Have the OKUMA guide select pro, HEAVY . Very heavy…… Any experience with the St Croix?
@@richricci3172 No experience with St. Croix. Loomis just came out with an IMX PRO in the steelhead series. I’ve been eyeing the 9’9’. I have an IMX 9’8” side drifting rod, it’s the 1163-2S. That is my favorite rod. I have it paired with a Stradic ci4 3000. Very light set up.
@@RAGEFISHING I bought the 9’9 ML, 6-12 lb E6X , and im either putting a 3000 Vanford on it or Stradic, I own about 7 Stellas so may put a 3000 on it . Will see.
I haven’t used them for Salmon, looks like in the spinning version they have a 9’ 10-20# and a 9’6” casting in 15-30#. I’m usually hunting in the fall and miss most of the fall fishing seasons, but when I do get out, I use a 10 1/2’ Loomis GL2 (it’s discontinued) in 10-20#. I mainly float fish with roe for fall fish so I like a longer rod to be able to manage line. If that’s the type of fishing you’ll be doing, I’d look around for a 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 foot rod with at least a 10-20# line weight rating. A 15-30 or even 15 - 40 would be even better. You’ll want the control for those beasts! 🎣
Actually, that’s a great question. Steelhead rods start around 8’6” and can be as long as 13’! Most newer steelheaders use floats and jigs or floats and beads. When float fishing, it’s important to have a natural drift, so being able to mend the line to your float is imperative. The longer rod allows you to lift the line off the water to avoid getting a big downriver belly causing your float to be pulled at unnatural speeds. With jig fishing especially, you want the float to be perfectly upright or slightly pointing upstream to know your jig’s tail is pointing down river. When the water is big, I use a 10 1/2’ float rod. Also, those long soft rods are like huge shock absorbers for running steelhead. They love to run under bedrock banks, a long rod allows you to control them a little better. Lastly, one of my favorite methods is light balsa wood floats with 1/8 oz jigs. A long, but light power rod loads better for casting light setups longer distances.
Yes, I’ve killed 2 Okuma reels. They did not hold up to winter fishing for me. That said, they were reels in the $50-$70 price category, they may have better reels, I didn’t stick around to find out.
@@OMG-sh9st X11’s are their inexpensive rod line, not to be confused with their American Made rods. I fish G.Loomis rods for steelhead, but not everybody wants to spend that kind of money on a rod and all Loomis rods are made in the USA, so their cost reflects the fact. When I get questions about a decent rod that’s budget friendly, I generally recommend the X11 and as of recently, the Shimano Compre.
@@OMG-sh9st I consider the X11 an entry level rod. I’ve bought them as gifts for my kids that are getting started in steelheading. They are made over seas to Lamiglas specs, not to be confused with American made Lamiglas rods which are definitely not entry level rods, starting at about 3 times the cost. One of my first steelhead rods was a Certified Pro X96LS, an incredible American made rod which has battled many a steelhead and keeps on going. Hopefully that answers your question, the title isn’t intended to trash talk them or I wouldn’t recommend them. 🎣
@RAGEFISHING of course no trash talking. Thanks for the response. I've been a Lamiglas fan for quite some time and i think theyre awesome INO. I recently bought a Okuma SST for this year, and so far so good. Steelhead is underway on the snake at the moment. Good luck and Fish On!
Good luck! I’m in between hunting seasons, so I’m taking a short break from fishing, but I’m getting ready for my 4th annual ‘Steelhead December’ series where I will be releasing new fishing videos every Friday at 6PM and gear / tip videos in between. I’ve got some awesome unseen footage from the tail end of last winter steelhead season, we caught some fighters!
![KRK - ชนิสรา Ft.WanMai , N/A [Official MV] Prod. By Sakarin](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C-WMwwYobcU/mqdefault.jpg)
![2023 Ultralight Gear Recap [Rods, Reels, & Line]](/img/n.gif)
Planning on getting that same rod and pairing it with a 3k size Penn Battle 3 DX. that I already have. I grew up just down the highway from you in Rogue River, Oregon back in the 60's and 70's. We lived on east Evans Creek Road, the creek was my back yard and Steelhead ran it every spring. Then of course there was the Rogue itself, it was quite the wild untamed river back then, long before the Lost Creek Dam project was built. I have been living in NW ARKANSAS for the past 20 years lot's of catfishing and Striper fishing. It's been several decades since I last went Steelhead fishing, but I'll be retiring next year and plan on traveling to the PNW to catch some "Steelies" once again. Thanks for sharing. I've been watching several of your videos lately, enjoying them very much. Subbed!!!
Awesome! Winter Steelhead Season is just around the corner. I’ll be doing the 3rd annual ‘Steelhead December’ where I post new steelhead videos every Friday at 6PM and more gear / ‘how to’ videos midweek. This video was part of the original series. Thanks for subscribing and good luck this season.
I am also a Shimano man but I do have to give a shout out to the Pflueger President as a good entry level reel. I received one as a gift and have absolutely beat it up and it just keeps going. Granted it doesn’t see much use anymore in a lineup of Stradics and a Vanford.
I’ve heard good things about Pflueger, just never used them. I’ve just had such great luck with Shimano, I stick with them, even in the low end category.
Pleasantly surprised how good the Pflueger President 40 is, everything is so smooth with 10 ball bearings. I think the lower priced Shimanos are absolutely terrible and should be avoided, I have thrown several away. The Lew's Mach 2 are also a decent entry level reel but not quite as good as the Pflueger President. I think the Okuma SST is also a decent lower cost rod. I struggle with bait casters, so I always bring a spinning rod because I will mess something up eventually and usually end up using the spinning set up. I am just a part time sport fisher, but I do have 24 rods of various types including 3 Tenkara rods for back packing and travel.
@lelenbates3367 I’ve heard good things about the president and have handled one at the local sporting goods store, not bad. However, I think the entry level shimano reels are unbeatable for the cost. I’m not sure which models you’re referring to, but I wouldn’t go less expensive than the sienna which is usually $30-$40. I have 2 on my surf rods, which surf fishing is incredibly hard on reels and they still work great after several years. The key to is to keep them clean of salt water after each trip. I haven’t checked on Lew’s. I’m sure most of the current reels are decent, but I only recommend products I’ve used. Thank you for your thoughts. 🎣
I went one step up from X-11, Redline series. ($157) Have an older Quantum Smoke Speed Freak, size 30. I'm a Quantum guy like you with Shimanos. I've had a couple Stradics, those are smooth.
Caught a 12 pound Chinook Oct18, Redline handled the fish with ease.
I'm eyeing a Lamiglas SI series float rod next, probably a Stradic 2500 on it. It's truly an addiction.
I don’t consider this rig an entry level setup, certainly a bump or two up from that. It is however an excellent quality price point combo and you could do much worse for the same money.
You might have gotten a great sale price and being a lower 48’er you can occasionally find great sales and internet pricing.
I bought this rig today (85-2 MHS-Nasci 4000)) here in Alaska for $219 and change and that is still a great bang for the $$$’s.
Thanks for a great review
Thank you for your thoughts. I do agree with you, my definition of ‘entry level’ is a quality set up at reasonable price. I could get a combo at the local ‘Mart’ for pretty cheap, but it would be horrible to learn with. Sounds like you found a great setup!
@@RAGEFISHING
Agreed on the Mart specials!!
I tend to invest $$ in fly rods and reels and keep it reasonable dollar wise for my conventional tackle rigs, though I do have a nice quiver of loomis for my Kenai kings rigs, which are currently dust collectors due to closures. Hope the run can recover!
Thanks again for your vids-Ron
Thank you. Very helpful.
You’re welcome! Glad it helped. 🎣
I would note here that Lamiglas also make some VERY expensive salmon and steelhead today. I think the center pin rods are over $600
I’ve owned some of their higher end American made rods. These X11’s are made overseas to keep the cost down.
My first float rod was a Certified Pro steelhead rod, I still have it. It’s responsible for many steelhead!
Oh nice. I just move to Alaska in 2021 and mostly did salt/brackish water before. Some rainbow trout fishing as well. I got the X-11 spinner and baitcaster so see how they do on salmon up here. I spent more on the reels to be honest. Great content by the way.
@@davidlawson3400 thank you!
Nice video, the way I see it if you buy once you cry once. Don't waste time buying on a budget lol. Just go big
Haha! That’s a good way to put it.
Looking to get into float fishing, are these light in hand? Looking at the 9’6…Vs St Croix , which is lighter ?
E6x might be lightest id assume…..
They aren’t too bad, yes the E6X is lighter, but it’s 2.5x the price and they just discontinued that line. X11’s are great at that price point, around $100.
@@RAGEFISHING i fly fish with all high end rods but sometimes I cant hit certain holes, thats why need a bobber in hand.
Have the OKUMA guide select pro, HEAVY . Very heavy……
Any experience with the St Croix?
@@richricci3172 No experience with St. Croix. Loomis just came out with an IMX PRO in the steelhead series. I’ve been eyeing the 9’9’. I have an IMX 9’8” side drifting rod, it’s the 1163-2S. That is my favorite rod. I have it paired with a Stradic ci4 3000. Very light set up.
@@RAGEFISHING I bought the 9’9 ML, 6-12 lb E6X , and im either putting a 3000 Vanford on it or Stradic, I own about 7 Stellas so may put a 3000 on it . Will see.
Nice! Stellas?! Wow, those are dreamy reels. Vanfords are pretty awesome for the price point, and they’re light! 6.3 oz. for the 3000.
What’s the best for one for kings in the rivers ?
I haven’t used them for Salmon, looks like in the spinning version they have a 9’ 10-20# and a 9’6” casting in 15-30#. I’m usually hunting in the fall and miss most of the fall fishing seasons, but when I do get out, I use a 10 1/2’ Loomis GL2 (it’s discontinued) in 10-20#. I mainly float fish with roe for fall fish so I like a longer rod to be able to manage line. If that’s the type of fishing you’ll be doing, I’d look around for a 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 foot rod with at least a 10-20# line weight rating. A 15-30 or even 15 - 40 would be even better. You’ll want the control for those beasts! 🎣
Total noob question, what's the reason for such long rods? For my bass stuff my longest rod is 8ft and that's for throwing big, heavy swimbaits.
Actually, that’s a great question. Steelhead rods start around 8’6” and can be as long as 13’! Most newer steelheaders use floats and jigs or floats and beads. When float fishing, it’s important to have a natural drift, so being able to mend the line to your float is imperative. The longer rod allows you to lift the line off the water to avoid getting a big downriver belly causing your float to be pulled at unnatural speeds. With jig fishing especially, you want the float to be perfectly upright or slightly pointing upstream to know your jig’s tail is pointing down river. When the water is big, I use a 10 1/2’ float rod. Also, those long soft rods are like huge shock absorbers for running steelhead. They love to run under bedrock banks, a long rod allows you to control them a little better. Lastly, one of my favorite methods is light balsa wood floats with 1/8 oz jigs. A long, but light power rod loads better for casting light setups longer distances.
@@RAGEFISHING Thanks. That makes a ton of sense especially managing the line to avoid a big bow or "belly".
So did you have trouble with Okuma?
Yes, I’ve killed 2 Okuma reels. They did not hold up to winter fishing for me. That said, they were reels in the $50-$70 price category, they may have better reels, I didn’t stick around to find out.
When Risko broke your rod, you should have driven over his ball cap.
He broke his rod, and I laughed my butt off, mainly because he threw it after. 😁
You must be up there with Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston to call that an entry level. Lol
@@OMG-sh9st X11’s are their inexpensive rod line, not to be confused with their American Made rods. I fish G.Loomis rods for steelhead, but not everybody wants to spend that kind of money on a rod and all Loomis rods are made in the USA, so their cost reflects the fact. When I get questions about a decent rod that’s budget friendly, I generally recommend the X11 and as of recently, the Shimano Compre.
Quick question. You ever fish at Rocky Ford creek? Just want to know what fly you would recommend for winter trout in that area
@@OMG-sh9st I haven’t, and I don’t do much fly fishing. So I’m a bad source for that info. 😁
How are you gonna call Lamiglass an entry level rod
@@OMG-sh9st I consider the X11 an entry level rod. I’ve bought them as gifts for my kids that are getting started in steelheading. They are made over seas to Lamiglas specs, not to be confused with American made Lamiglas rods which are definitely not entry level rods, starting at about 3 times the cost. One of my first steelhead rods was a Certified Pro X96LS, an incredible American made rod which has battled many a steelhead and keeps on going. Hopefully that answers your question, the title isn’t intended to trash talk them or I wouldn’t recommend them. 🎣
@RAGEFISHING of course no trash talking. Thanks for the response. I've been a Lamiglas fan for quite some time and i think theyre awesome INO. I recently bought a Okuma SST for this year, and so far so good. Steelhead is underway on the snake at the moment. Good luck and Fish On!
Good luck! I’m in between hunting seasons, so I’m taking a short break from fishing, but I’m getting ready for my 4th annual ‘Steelhead December’ series where I will be releasing new fishing videos every Friday at 6PM and gear / tip videos in between. I’ve got some awesome unseen footage from the tail end of last winter steelhead season, we caught some fighters!
@@RAGEFISHING awesome. I will be subscribing to your channel and looking forward to some great footage!