A Versatile Salmon Fishing Rod: The G'Loomis SAMR 1265

Any avid salmon and steelhead angler you ask will probably tell you every fishing technique you use requires a different fishing rod. Now, this is probably half true, and half fishing gear-junky rationale for adding one or two rods to an already extensive and superfluous collection. However, because it is true to some extent, it is always nice when you can find a rod make and model that is versatile enough to fish multiple techniques effectively. Truly, you could "get by" with many different rods in situations where they might barely get the job done, but the real gems are the rods that excel with multiple techniques. One of my favorite rods, a gem of that sort indeed, is the G'Loomis SAMR 1265.

The particular model beats out many other salmon rods in performance for both troll and bobber fishing. It is a 10'6" rod, rated for 10-40 pound line, and 1-6 ounces of lead. When it comes to trolling, I would comfortably use up to 20 ounces of lead on this particular Loomis rod. Its long progressive action allows the fish to chew on the bait as the rod loads up, before it eventually gets to the backbone of the rod and the hooks are driven home. The backbone of the rod also works nicely for trolling with divers against heavy currents, a situation where rods with less ultimate strength fail. The length of the rod works nicely to widen the spread of baits trailing behind your boat, and keep your lines from tangling (when fished out the sides of the boat the tip of the rod is farther away than when using, say, an 8'6" rod). While mooching is similar in many ways to trolling, the long rod also helps add and exaggerate the movement that either wave action or the angler puts on the bait.

The rod also performs exceptionally well for bobber or float fishing. Most bobber aficionados prefer a rod at least 9' or longer, as the extra length helps you control the line better, as well set the hook easier when a biter comes along. When you do strike back at the fish, the stocky butt section of the SAMR 1265 has the strength to make sure the fish is hooked solid. Still, once the fight starts, the top half of the rod has soft enough action that you can enjoy the battle with fish of varying sizes. I have used the rod to fight fish ranging from Chinook salmon jacks (less than 24 inches), to an adult Chinook pushing 40 pounds, and felt every tug from each fish.

I have, and know other anglers that routinely use the G'Loomis 1265 for other methods of salmon fishing like trolling spinners, and anchoring with plugs and wobblers, as well as bait fishing for sturgeon. In my opinion, they do alright in those applications, but when it comes to trolling and bobbering, there is not another rod made that I would sooner use for either job. An entire article could be written about the quality, performance and customer service associated with G'Loomis fishing rods, but it suffices to say, that in an industry with many competitors, they are in a small group that offers a superior product, which they stand behind. Like many aforementioned gear junkies, I have too many rods to fit on my generously sized wall rack. Since the G'Loomis SAMR 1265 was added to my collection about six years ago, it has landed hundreds of salmon and fast became a favorite of mine. Add one to your collection and I am sure it can do the same for you.