G.loomis Gloomis Rolling River Dregger GLX 13 9 8 9 Short Belly Brank
The G. Loomis GLX Rolling River Dredger 13’9″ 8-9wt Short Belly Skagit is a specialized fly rod designed for Skagit casting and heavy fly fishing applications, particularly for targeting large fish like steelhead and salmon in big rivers. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Key Specifications:
– Model: GLX Rolling River Dredger
– Length: 13 feet 9 inches (13’9″)
– Line Weight: 8-9wt (optimized for Skagit/short belly lines)
– Action: Fast-action, designed for powerful casts with heavy flies/sink tips
– Blank Material: High-modulus graphite (GLX series = premium sensitivity & strength)
– Purpose: Short-belly Skagit casting, swinging flies, dredging deep runs
Design & Performance:
– Short Belly Skagit Focus: The rod is built for short, aggressive casts with heavy sink tips and bulky flies (e.g., intruders, leeches).
– Power & Lift: The extra length (13’9″) provides leverage for mending, line control, and fighting big fish in strong currents.
– GLX Technology: Loomis’ high-end blank offers a crisp, responsive feel while maintaining durability.
Ideal Use Cases:
– Steelhead/Salmon Fishing: Swinging flies in large rivers (e.g., PNW, Great Lakes tributaries).
– Heavy Sink Tips: Works well with T-8 to T-14 tips and weighted flies.
– Two-Handed Efficiency: The length aids in roll/spey casts, reducing fatigue over long days.
Matching Line & Setup:
– Skagit Lines: Short-head Skagit lines (e.g., Rio Skagit Max, Airflo Skagit Compact) in 8-9wt.
– Running Line: Thin, low-memory running line for minimal drag.
– Tips: Versatile with floating, intermediate, or fast-sinking tips (10-15ft).
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|———-|———-|
| Exceptional power for big flies | Not ideal for long, delicate presentations |
| Smooth casting with heavy loads | Requires proper Skagit technique |
| Lightweight for its size | Higher price point (GLX series premium) |
Final Thoughts:
This rod is a beast for heavy-duty spey fishing, excelling in situations where distance isn’t the priority but control, power, and turnover are. If you’re fishing deep, fast water with bulky setups, it’s a top-tier choice.
Need recommendations for reels or lines to pair with it? Let me know!