Noodle Rods for Steelheading

[BERRRG]

The spot I've been fishing for large rainbows and steelhead has guys mainly using noodle style, light-action rods for either float fishing or bottom bouncing. The water is very clear and I'm assuming it's so they can land these fish with light leaders down to 4lb test. This area involves deep water and heavy current and I've found a 1oz slinky give or take a bit is the right weight balance. I'd like to get a rod that's perfect for these conditions... right now I'm using a 9ft medium-heavy action shimano clarus rated to 3/4 oz and it's not bad for casting distance, which is important here, but probably won't really suit the light leaders I want to use for the clear water. Also I've had a lot of fish shake the hook out (not break) recently and I wonder if a noodle rod would help absorb some of those head shakes better...

What specifics would you choose in a spinning rod for bottom-bouncing if you had to balance these factors:

- 6-10lb fish
- light 4lb-test leaders for clear water
- approx 1oz slinky
- maximum casting distance
- max rod length


Thanks !!

 

[BERRRG]

Also, how well would a rod rated at 5/8oz lure weight cast a 1oz weight?

 

[ChromeAddict]

I cast 1 oz weights on a rod rated for up to 1/2 oz. I'm not casting all day, but a few casts with a heavier weight won't hurt much. I use a 10'6 st Croix avid, and found it perfect for bottom bouncing because of how soft the tip is. It still has a good amount of backbone, but will handle 4lb easy. The wild rivers seemed a bit softer when I looked at it, so it may he able to handle lighter leads. A Fenwick hmx is also a good rod for steelhead on a budget.

 

[BERRRG]

Fenwick makes a 12'6" HMX that's ultra light and moderate action. It's rated to 5/8 oz and I might get one to try out here. The fish are really pressured here and guys have told me the 4lb leader makes a difference. Hoping the length and the noodle-ish action will help me to bomb the cast out there. It's basically a float fishing rod. Has anyone tried bottom bouncing with a similar rod?