IMX Hotshot Casting
IMX graphite plug-trolling baitcaster for back-boat steelhead and salmon, two lengths for different river sizes
The G. Loomis IMX Hotshot Casting series is a pair of conventional (baitcast) rods designed for back-trolling and drift-fishing with deep-diving plugs, Hot Shot and Wiggle Wart style lures, for steelhead and Pacific salmon from a drift boat or raft. The technique involves positioning the boat at the head of a run and letting current work the plug down to holding fish. The rod must load under light plug resistance yet carry reserve power to turn large fish.
IMX graphite blanks are lightweight and sensitive, with an extra-fast taper that concentrates bend in the upper third, creating the tip nod that signals fish contact and confirms proper plug action. The magnum butt section provides leverage for steering and landing large kings. A long rear cork grip is fitted for two-handed hold during extended trolling sets. Both models are 2-piece for packability in a raft or on an aircraft to Alaska.
The lineup spans two lengths within M (Mag-Medium) power and XF action: the 8'0" IMX 980C HSR (line 8–15 lb, lure 1/4–1 oz) handles finesse steelhead work with lighter hardware, while the 8'6" IMX 1021-2C HSR (line 10–20 lb, lure 3/8–4 oz) carries heavier plugs for large chinook and Alaska king work. Both use the same 2-piece design; the longer model commands a premium appropriate for big-water applications.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 2 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 2 casting
- Length
- 8'–8'6" 2.40–2.60 m
- Power
- M
- Action
- XF
- Line
- 8–20 lb
- Lure
- 1/4–4 oz 7–113 g
- List price
- $390–$450
Rods in this series
2 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMX 980C HSR | 8' | M | Buy from G. Loomis | |
| IMX 1021-2C HSR | 8'6" | M | Buy from G. Loomis |
Model notes
All 2 modelsThe lighter model, suited to steelhead and smaller salmon with plugs in the 1/4–1 oz range. The 8–15 lb line window allows thinner diameter lines that improve plug action depth and increase feel of subtle strikes in lower-gradient runs.
The 8'6" 2-piece configuration serves large chinook salmon and is the preferred Alaskan guide choice when fishing large rivers with heavy plugs up to 4 oz. Extra 6 inches of reach improves rod-angle control from a wide boat deck; 2-piece breakdown fits aircraft cargo hold.