Northwest Fishing Reports

So I just stopped by Outdoor Emporium and wandered around, after picking up a few items, looking for something I didn't know I needed. A row of yellow Eagle Claw fiberglass featherlight rods caught my eye and I was surprised to find they were fitted with casting reel seats and a full cork handle. About time I thought! I've been using their spinning rods to hunt kokes and big trout for a while now. Checked the price and found them in keeping with their other rods, so I immediately picked up a pair for myself. I told one of the staff that they would sell these out in short order once word got out, so get them before they are gone. Here are the specs and a few pictures.

Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee (FL209C2-8')
2 Piece 8' Fiberglass blank
10 guides that are well placed plus hook keeper. (one 2 foot, eight single foot and 1 tip)
Casting reel seat with a 12" cork handle.
Retail price of... $24.99!

Eagle Claw also makes a 7'6" verison and it looks like Sportsman's Warehouse is selling these as well.

FYI - these rods (7.5' and 8' lengths) are now on sale at Outdoor Emporium and Sportco for $18.88! Hit the store tomorrow (10th of Dec) and get an extra 20% off. At that price It seems like stealing.

Have always liked the Eagle Claw Featherlights, have a few myself one of which I've had for over 40yrs. That one is a trail rod that converts from spinning to fly.

That is a great price. Hmmm.... I already have too many rods as it is!

One of the first trout rods I bought when I moved here 30 years ago! Caught steelhead and humpies on them too!! But haven't seen a bait casting one! Thanks G-man!

FYI, they are a bit heavier than the other name brand fiberglass kokanee rods. The rods have a nice "noodle factor" to them. At those sale prices they do make a good budget option.

Are these still available locally?

Sideburns wrote:Are these still available locally?

Where is your locally? Sportco has them in Fife for $18.88 I think.

Sideburns wrote:Are these still available locally?

Give them a call and see if they have any. You may be able to have them hold one for you.

Sportco (Fife) (253) 922-2222
Outdoor Emporium (Seattle) (206) 624-6550
Sportsman's Warehouse has multiple locations in Washington State (Federal Way) (253)835-4100

G-Man wrote:

Sideburns wrote:Are these still available locally?

Give them a call and see if they have any. You may be able to have them hold one for you.

Sportco (Fife) (253) 922-2222
Outdoor Emporium (Seattle) (206) 624-6550
Sportsman's Warehouse has multiple locations in Washington State (Federal Way) (253)835-4100

Inventory says 8 foot =43, 7'6" =80
But he never said where his local is.

All of the above stores are local for me. Thanks guys! & (gal).

I broke down...

BUT in my defense...

I bought four for myself and four to give away to NWFR members at future events.

I think these rods will be great for pinks in the Sound and sockeye at Brewster/Wenatchee. They have enough backbone so unlike the white lamiglas kokanee rods they can do some pressuring of the fish when needed. They are a tad heavier and they have only basic metal guides but I believe they'll do the trick.

Perfect for the wife and kids while targeting pinks. They will have a blast lol!!

Any thoughts on how these would do for Kokanee, when used with the smallest Deep Six (0)? I don't have a downrigger and would rather pass on getting one.

I think they would be OK, these rods have some backbone and can take abuse. Fiberglass is very forgiving, unlike graphite.

Slightly off topic, but what budget reels would you pick to go with these?

There aren't many new, good, low budget level wind reels out there to pair with these rods. Tica makes a purpose built kokanee reel that starts at around $85 and Diawa makes a line counter reel in the $70 range. However, there are great used reels that can be had for a song that work perfectly with these rods. The Shimano Bantam series reels are great reels and work well in this application. You can find them on ebay, many in good condition, in left and right hand retrieve models. Some need a little drag work but most that I have purchased had limited use and just needed new line. I don't like using the newer low profile reels in this application as they don't sit well in rod holders. If anyone runs across a new, budget priced reel for this application, by all means let us know.

I had one of these for many years and had made one repair some years back. It 'exploded' this year when I healed it over with a downrigger. Had to be close to 25 years old. One of my fav's. I will probably pick a couple up...

G-Man wrote:There aren't many new, good, low budget level wind reels out there to pair with these rods. Tica makes a purpose built kokanee reel that starts at around $85 and Diawa makes a line counter reel in the $70 range. However, there are great used reels that can be had for a song that work perfectly with these rods. The Shimano Bantam series reels are great reels and work well in this application. You can find them on ebay, many in good condition, in left and right hand retrieve models. Some need a little drag work but most that I have purchased had limited use and just needed new line. I don't like using the newer low profile reels in this application as they don't sit well in rod holders. If anyone runs across a new, budget priced reel for this application, by all means let us know.

Okuma has the ME-15DXT-T reel with line counter you can find for under $40. Can spool 290 yards of 12lb line. I find it a perfect level wind for trolling Kokanee and Trout. Drag setting isn't the most fluid, but paired with a kokanee rod, drag doesn't come into play as much as the rod itself. So far, based on it's performance and price, I am very happy with it.