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[CohoJake]

Ok, so my favorite coho float rod years ago was the lighter action of Shimano Convergence 10'6", I believe it was rated for like 6-15lb line. They stopped making this one years ago, and the rods made at the similar price point now don't seem to fit this niche.  Okuma SST is too heavy (though it is great for springs/chum), and I bought a Tica rod last year that supposedly is much lighter rated but honestly it is even thicker and stiffer than the Okuma.  I see now the Rapala North Coast NCSS30TR106ML2 with the following stats:
Power: MedLight. Action: Moderate Fast. Guides: 12+Tip. Technique: Salmon/Steelhead. 3/8-1/2 oz. 8-14lb. Test.

This seems about right, although I think the convergence was slow or moderate-slow action from what I remember.  Does anyone use this model of Rapala Rod?  What do you think of it?  Is it really flexy or stiff like a broomstick?

Does anyone know of any other rods that may fit the bill at around $100 CAD/ $80 US? Preferably available online in the US given current limitations and the way things are going.

Thanks

[Hike_and_fish]

I cant comment on that particular rid but I did own two Rapala North Coast Kokanee rods before I purchased my Lamiglas Kokanee Kid rods. Both of my Rapala rods snapped in half. I was not very happy with them breaking. That being said my Rapala Magnum sturgeon rods are going strong. I've been slowly switching most of my collection to Lamiglas over the last two years. Their new rods are amazing in my opinion.

[redside1]

I haven't fished the rod model you are looking at but I have a number (7-8)of different Rapala North Coast rods and a few (3-4) of them suffered from a breakage issue.
Overall many of the models of Rapala North Coast rods have had breakage issues.
Including their new Luhr Jensen lineup which to a point is the North coast series re-badged and some cosmetic tweaks.
They do feel nice and light though and have eye appealing cosmetics.

[Spoonman]

......had two north coast spin rods ....both snapped.....junk.....fenwick might have something that fits your specs....they seem to build a nice rod.....ps....checked the site and most fenwicks look too heavy.....buddy has the okuma sst 10/20 and it fishes nice....okuma site also lists a sst m at 8/17 and a ml at 6/12 both in 10-6....

[pwn50m3 f15h3r]

I own a lamiglass X-11 9’6 casting rod that’s rated 8-15lb and 1/4-3/4oz. I’ve landed 2 steelhead on it (1 was ~12lb) with absolutely no problems. I got it for $125 and I can highly recommend it.

[glfish88]

Had a North Coast in a baitcast configuration, snapped around the middle of the two pieces fighting a pink. First outing with it too. Not a worthwhile investment imo, try the fenwick hmx, really nice rod and not too much of a meatstick. I would second the lami X-11 as well, nice light rods

[CohoJake]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I have and like the Okuma SST 10'6" Casting 10-20lb.  The lighter models of SST don't come in the casting configuration, only spinning/CP.

Lamiglas X-11 I also have seen break for no good reason.  Plus it appears their only casting model in that length is 10-30lb. Fenwick HMX also looks heavy. 

It seems that the increased popularity of centerpin reels (even in the states now) has meant a shift away from the variety of casting rods available for float fishing.  The lighter models of Okuma, Lamiglas and Fenwick all look good if they were rigged to be used with a a baitcaster.

I just have a special place in my heart for classic Ambassadeur reels, and that affinity isn't getting any weaker.

[chironomidking]

Had two North Coast.  Both snapped during light fights.  Garbage rods.  Okuma SST has not let me down.  IMO the best rods for the $ are the Okuma SST or the Shimano Clarus

[redside1]

while this rod might not be quite has light in the hand has you want , but it's tough durable and has a good warranty.
Trophy XL TCS6105MLC Custom Med/Light Cast Rod, 2pc, 10'6". i have a couple and they have worked well for me.
I think they are $129.99 retail.

[CohoJake]

while this rod might not be quite has light in the hand has you want , but it's tough durable and has a good warranty.
Trophy XL TCS6105MLC Custom Med/Light Cast Rod, 2pc, 10'6". i have a couple and they have worked well for me.
I think they are $129.99 retail.

That looks promising - what is the action of the rod?

I don't see anyone that sells them online, and now that the border is officially closed, I can't drive up to BC to buy one.

[redside1]

rod action is moderate, Definately not fast.
I would think a phone call to Berry's Bait, SeaRun, Highwater, Fred's or Hatch Match'r could get you one ordered over the phone and shipped to Washington.

[DanTfisherman]

Felt bad, as I thought this should be an easy one to settle, as I have fished a few rods that were lightweight casting rods and really did enjoy them.
Currently, I am using a 12'6" Sage 9wt Spey rod that I have had built into a drift rod and feel it is the best one I have ever used.
That being said, here are the two I have used in the past and enjoyed:

1.  Fenwick Legacy Casting rod.  11'2"  Medium light.  Best rod I had ever used up until my current rod.  Being it is an old legacy, you can tell I was using the Legacy in the late 80's and discovered the Sage in the 90's.
2.  Berkley Canadian Specialist Series casting rod.  11'6".  Medium action.  Good rod, was a bit stiffer than the Fenwick.

So, saying that, I felt there must be something equivalent, as I have used and enjoyed rods like you are looking for.
Unfortunately, I could not find any.  I remember Lamaglas had a few, but could not find any and read your like of them.

I have a feeling some of the older St Croix drift rods in the Salmon/Steelhead series may have fit the bill.  Looked at them a while ago as a back up, but never pulled the trigger.

Here is a link to a rod that may fit your bill, but I know nothing about them.
They are called Tica rods, and I saw a number of various choices, in various lengths, so am sure there is something there to fit your needs:
http://www.ticaamerica.com/salmon-steelhead-hlhb/

Hope this helps,

Dan

[CohoJake]

Here is a link to a rod that may fit your bill, but I know nothing about them.
They are called Tica rods, and I saw a number of various choices, in various lengths, so am sure there is something there to fit your needs:
http://www.ticaamerica.com/salmon-steelhead-hlhb/

Hope this helps,

Dan

Yeah, I bought that Tica rod last season and it is AWFUL.  It is way stiffer and heavier than the heavier-rated Okuma SST.  It barely bends even the top 1/4 when I have a 4 lb coho on.  Anyway - that is the rod I am trying to find a replacement for.  And it is really thick at the butt end as well.  I don't know what they were thinking.

That said - thanks for putting some thought into this.  I feel like it shouldn't be that hard to find a rod that will dance around when I have an acrobatic coho on. 

[1st lite]

I purchased an Okuma 9' 6" casting rod (SST-C-962ML) from a small shop near Burlington, Wa. about 5-6 years ago. I don't think this little shop is around anymore, but I have seen this rod on some online fishing websites. The line rating for this rod is 6-12 lb. and the reel I use with this rod is an Abu 5500 series with 12 lb. Maxima line. The Okuma SST was put into service when my 10' 6" St. Croix Wild River (8-14 lb. line rating) suddenly broke one day. I mainly use this rod for Coho fishing but have tackled the odd Spring (12-16 lbs) with this rod and have manage to land them with a bit of patience. The price is very reasonable for what you get in this rod.