25 replies to this topic

[NADO]

I'm with swing4steel here, 6wt is plenty unless you are on bigger and faster water. 

[ApacheFishingVentures]

I'm with swing4steel here, 6wt is plenty unless you are on bigger and faster water. 

I agree that a 6 might be enough for small water with room for the fish to run but what about in an area prone to snags? The original post said he would be fishing snaggy water and If a brute starts to take you into some deadfall, how will you turn it's head to prevent losing that fish to the oh so present trees all over spring creeks? Just an honest concern for the OP, that's all. Don't wanna hear of buddy losing his biggest fish because he couldn't keep it out of the cabbage.

[DILLIGAF?!]

We are all here in good faith to give our 2cents IMO. I would say If you're savvy fly angler, I have no doubt you can handle a big steelie on 6wt with no problem. If TS is somewhat on the learning process-like me...I would recommend a level up gear. there are things at risk, lose the fish, harm the fish, break your rod...wouldn't want to be the guy to tell you atoadaso...

[Swing4Steel]

As long as youre running tippet in the 5- 6 lb range its fine. Just pull on them sideways

[Huronfly]

In NZ they fish for trout upwards of 10lbs on 4-5wts with no issues, and some of those rainbows are very comparable to our steelhead, what does that tell you... I regularly use a 6 weight on smaller rivers for steel with no issues. It's all how you fight em, bend it to the cork with 90 degree (side)pressure so they can't rest and they'll come in quickly.

[ApacheFishingVentures]

lol freaking atoadaso.

No one is saying it's impossible by any means, we're all just saying the original poster might be better off getting a heavier rod as a beginner steelheader. But i'm all for being frugal. In fact i'm one the cheapest guys you'll ever meet haha I just think if money is an issue, maybe one who hasnt felt the raw power of a steelhead yet would be better off with a heavier rod. If he breaks his 6 wt then not only does he not have a rod but then he still needs to buy another one. An 8 weight is one of the most useful rods you can have for freshwater and like DILLIGAF said, more than enough for steelhead.An echo ion rod paired with an echo ion reel will be more than ideal for the job and shouldnt cost any more than 300 all said and done.