best all round rod/ reel for steel

[weemalky]

If one was to purchase a setup for steelhead, what would the best choice be for a beginner? Spey,switch, one hand? Size/wt action? Is the reel more important or as I understand, it's just to hold line, the rod is the priority? The cost seems prohibitive for someone starting out. Does the fish know if I'm holding an Orvis or Sage or Scott with a Tibor reel? I know there are so many variables and differences of opinion but all answers are welcome as I ponder the next evolution as an angler. What would be the journeyman's go to setup that's durable, not necessarily pretty and slick, that stands up to real world abuse and doesn't cost as much as a used car.

 

[Madriverfisher]

I would start out with a single hand rod and spend some time with that before even thinking about a Spey or switch setup I would look at 7 wt set up and no dont go drop Ons of money on a sage or Scott set up a 9 foot 7 wt will do 10 fee is alittle better but don't get to stressed about it and make sure to get a large arbor reel and a good line something like a rio gold or something like that look at redington it is made by the same company that deals with sage st croix is a great company as well and lamson or Ross for reels have some budget priced reels hope this helps feel free to ask any more and If you do get one and want some help Lear ing the basics let me know I'm always glad to help a newbie

 

[[email protected]]

like mad said 9-10ft is optimal....hell, i started with my late grandpas old stuff, a 7'6 cortland 6/7wt with a dam quick reel.found out how much a rod will make a difference and quickly upgraded. but for starting out, go with TFO(temple fork outfitters) or redington, you can get a beginners package, rod/reel/line and a small sample of flies for about $150, if you buy the parts separate, you'll be looking at about 250 for rod and reel, and depending on line around 70 for that, plus backing and leaders and flies

 

[weemalky]

I presently have a cheap 7/8 starter combo which I have have used occasionally. I was thinking of moving up to somethng mid-range and was curious what most used weight wise if targeting steel. I wouldn't mind a smaller setup say for headwaters or from a canoe for specks and small browns any suggestions?

 

[Madriverfisher]

For summer resi fish go with a 4 wt it's pretty much my go to rod for the summer although I love my 3 wt and
Can't wait to get my 2 wt for small stream Brookies I will warn you once you start it's hard to stop always new gear you want

 

[weemalky]

I'm not even sure what line is on the old setup I have. :unsure: I think I have a WF line. A 2X 9' leader then I tie on a tippet, I've never tied up a leader just store bought. Not sure how to determine tippet size, is 2X smaller the rule of thumb? I've used a sinktip for nymphs but again not 100% certain of the setup for that.ie attaching the sinktip I used these plastic barrel connectors but I think you can just tie them on with a loop.Internet's been helpful still learning.

 

[[email protected]]

i use a 6 and 8wt myself, 6wt good for bows, 8wt almost everything from bass pike pickeral to salmon and bows

 

[[email protected]]

I'm not even sure what line is on the old setup I have. :unsure: I think I have a WF line. A 2X 9' leader then I tie on a tippet, I've never tied up a leader just store bought. Not sure how to determine tippet size, is 2X smaller the rule of thumb? I've used a sinktip for nymphs but again not 100% certain of the setup for that.ie attaching the sinktip I used these plastic barrel connectors but I think you can just tie them on with a loop.Internet's been helpful still learning.

WF, weight forward is most common, floating or intermediate for most river fishing, full sinking for deep water like lakes

for leaders look at the back of the package, find out what size fly you'll be using, and that will tell you what size you should buy. i use 3x 6.8lb tapered leader for the most part.

for attaching lines use either blood knots or an easier one is the surgeons knot

heres an pretty good animated guide to knots

http://www.orvis.com/orvis_assets/files/index.html

 

[Madriverfisher]

For steel head I use a 2 to 4 x leaders with and tippet depends on the conditions and weather or not I'm swinging flies for summer I use between 5 x to 7 x leaders and 6 x to 8 x tippet depending where and what I am fishing for I don't often use sink tips unless I still water Fishing or swinging big flies for steelhead other wise I use small split shot of bead head nymphs and a indicator or high stick

 

[RobH]

Hi coldhands,
If you are looking for a dedicated set up for steelhead, I would go with a 11ft 7 or 8wt. It gives you a perfect high sticking rod as well as a great swinging rod that will nicely handle any of the more advanced systems available and will grow with you as you become more versatile. You do not have to break the bank. St Croix has a very nice switch for $259.00
If you want something in a crossover rod, than a 10ft 7 or 8 wt would be more versatile. That gives you a nice pike or bass rod for the summer or an occasional salt water rod if that was in you future.
Where reels are concerned for steelhead, you should look at investing more than you might on your trout gear as at this level, the reels drag will get used. It is no longer simply a devise to store your line.
Cheers,
RH

 

[tom&jerry]

Mad you certainly know your flyfishing. Im sure everyone appreciates your responses. Help for new flyfisherman is important for satisfaction gained in the art of flyfishing. I certainly did when I started 30 years ago.I hate to see newbies frustrated on the river and giving up. Keep up the excellent help for anyone who needs it.

BTW what is your steelhead setup?

Mine is a 9' #7 weight E. F. Payne graphite rod
6 weight cortland floating line
Scientific Anglers 5X 9' leader tied to flyline not a loop connection
Dai-Riki 4X flourocarbon tippet
Copper john nymph with an additional 2' tippet and a pink san juan fly tied to the nymph hook