ICAST Coverage Day 3 (Rods) - Let the Rod Wars Begin!
 

Introduction: Did the reel's hold any surprises this year? A few, but for the most part the players were the same and the product simply entered yet another phase in maturity. It was here in the rod category that the battle lines were really drawn. The players here are as different as can be, with well established companies like G.Loomis and Lamiglas representing the "old guard," and brands like Dobyns and e21 that are up and coming contenders. First blood has been drawn, so let the rod wars begin!

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We start with the benchmark for quality, performance, and service... none other than the wildly popular G.Loomis. Never one to stray far from their designs they have been branded as conservative at times by enthusiast anglers, but nobody can argue that Loomis hasn't taken their eye off the ball when it comes to delivering a premium product. Sure it might not have all the custom rod features that are all the rage, but then should it?

Loomis rods have a near cult following, and for good reason...they know how to build a great rod and haven't deviated from that goal

Just as many anglers would shun Loomis as those that would embrace them if radical change was brought forth. More than likely if a vote were taken on this site the odds would probably swing in favor of simply adding new lines of application specific product rather than a complete revamp. There are many an angler that say "don't mess with my Loomis," as each and every Loomis rod is above all consistent.

Finally Cal has a Loomis swimbait stick to add to his arsenal

This year as expected Loomis didn't make any huge changes, like Shimano for example with their more custom-like Camura series. If you needed anymore evidence that the swimbait craze is in full effect nationwide, you need look no further than Woodland, Washington and G.Loomis. For years, swimbait anglers have been using a variety of sticks from this manufacturer’s saltwater and river series rods only to wonder, when is G.Loomis going to offer a REAL swimbait stick. Well, the wait is over. Debuted rather quietly during this past spring in a Southern California consumer tackle show, G.Loomis unveiled their full line of four swimbait rods to the greater public at this year’s ICAST.