FLoat Rod suggestions.help

I have been looking all over the place (forums, stores online and off) and trying to come to some conclusion of which rod I would like to buy. I think I pretty much narrowed my centerpin to an Islander. As you all know, rods are something that most of us like to purchase in person and feel their action in person before spending $$$ on them. I have been drift/float fishing with a 10'6" st croix medium/light rod using 6lb mainline (attached leaders depending on conditions ofcourse) on an Okuma reel. I absolutely love the rod setup ...enough backbone to muscle some kings, and enough tip action to baby the steelies around.

I'd really like to find a nice one with reel seats built into it, and not an obnoxciously long butt end. Anyone have any reccommendations? It would be greatly appreciated.

If your looking to spend 200.00 dollars or more you should really look into a custom rod.  Get it exactly how you want it and know that the components and workmaship is quality.  I would suggest you go with a Raven blank.  They are the best pure float blank available at a reasonable price.  Loomis makes a nice blank but they are only available through Loomis Canada so the prices are outrageous to get them here in the states.

There are many excellent builders that specialize in float rods.

Tommy if you read up in my other post my buddy has the same rod. Very nice rod he purchased his at B.A.C bait &tackle. for i think 160. If i was to buy another stick it would be a Sheffeild.....very nice indeed. Did you figure on what type of reel u was getting yet? For your stick?

Hi tommy just in my opinion the Sheffield does make a beautiful float stick, and you was saying about the excessive length on the butt ( handle ) you want a longer fighting butt trust me. A stick that long will be greatly appreciated. See my St.Croix has a long fighting butt handle that i absolutely love. And it has the sliding rings I personally love the sliding rings you can adjust your reel where you like it and plus i have never had a lick of trouble with mine coming loose. Now your answer to the the reel . I have a one of the first Raven SST that came out and love it very much. I wouldn't trade it for nothing in the world! Yes islander is a very nice reel but it's all in what you want. I went with the SST because i just wanted to be different,,,, And plus i liked the way the reel looked and i am very Happy that i bought a SST. It has been very maintenance free, you have to clean it once in awhile with some warm water and dish soap,,,, lol But i can only say what i have experienced with my success with the reel. Now your answer to the difference about the reels the SST i have is very light, i am not sure about the SST 2 ,and SST3 I  think it just has more porting that make them different be my guess i can do some research for ya see what i can muster up! Remember doesn't make you any better of a fisherman with a 1,000 dollar outfit opposed to a 400 dollar rig....It's all about the skill that you have. Center pin fishing is a skill,,,,a art, once mastered it's a hard thing to beat. But like anything if you do it enough like i do you only get better in time. Trust me when i first started, wow i thought i am never going to get the hang of this the stick is to long,the reel is awkward, never going to happen! Well i didn't give up and now i wouldn't even think of picking up a spinning rod or a fly rod to fish for steel.......if i can't pin it and worth it too me. I hope this helps you out some. Be nice to get together with you and hit the tribs up in Erie if you like. Here is my email addy ryand1214@alltel.net drop me Aline feel free to ask whatever you like. Have a nice day.          center pin drift!                                                                                                                                                                              

I ended up getting a Raven SST3 and Raven Float Rod. Used it today for a bit on the Erie Tribs. I have a lot of learning to do, however I did land my first steelie on it today 

ORIGINAL: Ditchrat

ORIGINAL: tommybanzai

I ended up getting a Raven SST3 and Raven Float Rod. Used it today for a bit on the Erie Tribs. I have a lot of learning to do, however I did land my first steelie on it today 

Good for you.  Now take the reel apart clean the grease out of the bearings and add some light oil when your done.  The improvement in the reel will be noticable.  If you like your reel now after a first cleaning your going to love it.

It it necessary to do that?...

hmmmm

i looked into it some today, and seen/heard of some people doing that. using singer oil for a sewing machine. I just can imagine tearing something so beautiful down to do that though
I will keep it in mind though

how do you degrease the bearings...arent they sealed?