Steelheading With G. Loomis

When I first started Steelhead fishing a few years back Gary Loomis (founder of the G Loomis rod) had just begun what is now a dynasty in rod building. I was fishing with my fishing partner and best friend Steve Notz.

I was not new to Steelheading, but I didn't really know all the basics. I had never been fishing with anyone that really knew how to catch these Steelhead that had evaded me for so many years.

"Feeling" the Steelhead

As Steve began to instruct me, one of the first things we talked about was what kind of rod I was using. I still remember like yesterday him referring to my rod as a "tree trunk". He asked me, "How are you going to catch fish if you can't feel what's going on at the other end of your setup?".

At that time I was using a rod known to some as a "Tweener". A nickname meaning "in-between". I had taken a recommendation from the guy at the store who told me I could use this rod for Steelheading or Salmon. It was just right in the middle or "in-between". Steve then informed me that these rods are usually too heavy for Steelhead and too light for any larger size fish I may hook into. He was right on.

Our first day out fishing together I joked about catching a nice 10 pounder, and it actually happened. My casting was off, my rod was stiff, I couldn't feel a thing, and somehow I managed 1 lame cast that just happened to put my corky right behind a boulder where a beautiful nickel bright hen was hiding out.

BANG! Fish-on! After fighting this beauty for about 15 minutes I had my first winter-run Steelhead on the bank. Here's the kicker...I never knew I had a fish on until I started to reel back and she felt the hook pierce her mouth. Then she went nuts.

Introduction to the G. Loomis IMX

At that moment I knew I wanted to get all or nothing serious about fishing. So I asked Steve what kind of rod he was using. He offered to trade with me for a cast or two, and I couldn't believe what I was feeling. The rod was much lighter, and I started feeling things on the bottom where I was drifting.

I started asking, "Am I getting bites?". He told me, "Don't worry you will know.". It took me only a cast or two (then we traded back) to ask him what brand of rod this was. He told me it was G Loomis IMX. He went on to tell me about how Gary Loomis had worked for Lamiglas and decided to go on his own with his own idea. From that moment I knew that I had to get one of these rods.

Having a rod that will totally "talk" to you (if you know what your listening for) makes all the difference in the world. I finished out that season with my "tree trunk" of a rod and caught 1 more fish. The next season I was able to get my IMX and I bumped my catch record up to 7. I was hooking alot of fish, (now that I could feel them!) but was losing just as many. More learning.

Hooked on the G. Loomis IMX

Going into my 3rd season I finished with 25. From there, I lose count. It just got and still gets better and better.

I still fish with other rods as I cannot yet afford an arsenal of Loomis beauties, but they are mostly back-ups. I love my IMX, and recommend to anyone serious about fishing to have at least one. In my opinion you will not find a rod of better quality out there. Like I said, this rod is AMAZING.