This is "Part 3" of a three part product review on the new G. Loomis Steelhead Series rods.

Having already tested the extremely impressive STR1163s, I couldn't wait to get the new STR1044s into some action to see if it too would hold up to the ultra high standards of a G. Loomis rod.

The Rod: STR1044s - 8' 8" rated for 8 - 12lbs. As stated in "Part 1" the claim is this rod may be Loomis' best all-around steelhead rod. This is a great choice for fishing small to medium-sized rivers. A surprisingly strong rod that casts with precision and provides the strength to work the fish, even when some brute suddenly decides to spend one more year in the salt.

Let's see how it did.

ROD: STR1044s REEL: Shimano Stradic 2500 LINE: Sufix 12lb mono in moss green LEADER: 8lb Maxima UltraGreen BAIT/LURES: Eggs, SandShrimp, Pink Worms

Dang, nothing like starting out the day with a C-H-R-O-M-E bright steelhead at very first light. I hadn't even really got to feel how sensitive this rod is as it was, tick, tick, tick along the bottom and then I felt the sponge-like sensation knowing a fish had picked up my presentation. A quick hookset and it was fish on. After a short little battle I was able to glide the nice little hen to shore with ease.

Now I can take the sticker off the rod!

I've been fishing longer rods in recent years and have stuck primarily with baitcasters for drift fishing. This day would be quite different, but puts another dimension to my arsenal.

At 8' 8" this rod does come in 2 inches longer than the traditional 8' 6" rods most of us over the age of 30 grew up with. That extra 2 inches does give an advantage when it comes to accurate casting. Where the "shortness" of the rod proved it's worthiness is when we were fishing with NO bank behind us and nothing but tackle grabbing tree limbs reaching out to us on every cast. It was easy to "flip" the presentation rather than taking a full backswing.

What's really impressive is how darn light this rod is. If you didn't know you were steelhead fishing you'd swear you had an ultralight trout rod in you hand. You can fish this rod all day, and I did, and never get tired of casting it. When you do hook up, it's as if it were just you and the fish, no extra weight. Believe me this rod has plenty of power, but it doesn't come from any bulk weight or extra material, this new material G. Loomis has come out with is a winner!

Sensitivity of course is as important a factor as any when it comes to a fine drift rod. Again, this new material flat out rocks! It's as if everything at the end of the line is telegraphed through the tip of the rod all the way through the butt section. I fish with the butt running along my forearm throughout the drift. The rod then acts like an extension of my arm and I can feel everything from the bottom, to those very subtle pickups. Of course I did get hammered a couple times too and with the rod in this position it's easy to set the hook quick and with power.

Where this rod will excel is in smaller streams and even some mid sized ones. Hmmm, seems as though G. Loomis hit this one on the bullseye. It's light, easy to cast, sensitive, has plenty of power, and allows you to cast all day without your arms becoming fatigued.

In conclusion, simply put G. Loomis has exceeded all my expectations with the new Steelhead Series rods and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase any of them. With the STR1163s and the STR1044s I basically have all my bases covered with just two rods. Multiple techniques, multiple species and two of the finest sticks on the market.

I can't wait to see if G. Loomis will expand this new rod material to their float rods and some salmon rods as well. Try one, you'll agree.

Part 1 | Part 2