The G. Loomis name has been a mainstay in the fishing tackle world for decades. Known for their lightweight designs and quality components, the company has earned a reputation as one of the premier high-end fishing rod manufacturers in the world. With their latest release, they’ve created a series of rods that retain that high-end feel at an extremely affordable price point.
In 2024, G. Loomis entered the panfish market with the GCX Lite lineup. These rods are built with the brand’s signature quality and lightweight design, handcrafted to be among the most elite panfish rods on the market. The lineup features a variety of lengths and actions for every panfish application, from casting the banks for big bluegills and dropping deep for yellow perch, to spider rigging for crappie. Whatever your approach, GCX Lite has you covered.
GCX Lite Rod Specifications
All G. Loomis blanks are engineered with performance and sensitivity in mind, delivering an unmatched experience on the water. Each rod is handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, and features the brand’s proprietary multi-taper design, SeaGuide aluminum oxide guides, premium cork handles, and Fuji reel seats. They’re backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
With a starting price of $250, the GCX Lite is a rod every serious panfish angler should consider adding to their arsenal.
As the company puts it:
“Ultralight anglers must weigh a myriad of factors to find success on the water. Decoding the right combination of water conditions and fish behavior is only part of the equation. Arriving equipped with tools built for specific techniques accelerates an angler’s ability to ‘crack the code.’
“Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, GCX Lite is a collection of lengths and essential actions covering a broad range of light-line angling applications. The series features extra-sensitive tips designed to facilitate long, accurate casts while also improving detection of subtle ‘bumps’ while working small baits. Utilizing G. Loomis’ proprietary Multi-Taper Design technology, GCX Lite provides anglers with ultra-durable yet lightweight blanks to boost confidence and enjoyment on the water. GCX Lite sets the standard for light-duty spinning rod performance, dependability, and versatility.”
The series is available in both one- and two-piece models, ranging from 4 feet, 8 inches to 7 feet, 6 inches in length. They come in ultralight, light, and medium-light powers, all with fast-action tips. The versatility of multi-piece rods is crucial for anglers on the go, while one-piece models are ideal for keeping in your rod locker, offering excellent sensitivity and backbone.
On The Water Performance
As someone who runs a guide service focused on spring and fall panfish, I was looking for a rod that would allow my clients to feel every subtle bite. I needed a rod with a sensitive tip but enough backbone to handle the occasional bass or pickerel that might crash the party.
I went with the GCX 780S SR model: a 6-foot, 6-inch light-action rod with a fast taper. It checked all the boxes. I paired it with a 1000-size Shimano Sahara spinning reel spooled with 5-pound PowerPro braided line.
On its first outing, the rod handled a mess of Cayuga Lake yellow perch flawlessly. The larger aluminum SeaGuides were perfect for keeping ice at bay on a cold March morning. That day, we boated more than 200 perch, bringing home 80 — some weighing over 1.5 pounds! Even with a stiff 10 – 15 mph wind, I could feel every light bite as I dragged small swimbaits along the bottom. The occasional pickerel didn’t stand a chance; the rod handled them with ease.
On recent trips, I handed the GCX Lite over to my clients to see how it performed for them. One 75-year-old angler, a lifelong perch fisherman, said, “This is the most sensitive fishing rod I’ve ever used. The guides are spaced well, and it’s super balanced in my hand. Send me the link to buy one; I’ll get a few!”
When a seasoned angler says that, you know G. Loomis hit it out of the park.
More Than Just a Perch Rod
This spring, I also put the GCX Lite to work on some bull-sized bluegills. While I would’ve appreciated a longer rod when slip-floating along deeper weed edges, the 780S SR still handled the job well. For swimming small plastics or drop-shotting for gills, this is the exact rod you want. Those bigger bluegills don’t peck at baits; they just load up the line with subtle weight. This rod is so sensitive, I could practically feel them fart on it.
The Ultimate Panfish Rod
If you’re looking to expand your panfish lineup, look no further than the G. Loomis GCX Lite series. It’s versatile, high-performing, and built to handle every panfishing scenario you might encounter.
And most importantly, it’s G. Loomis; they’ve never made a bad rod. I’ve used Loomis gear for years, and this is yet another excellent addition to their legacy. This one is a must-buy.
