Help with steelhead setup...

[rich_ace_G]

I'm thinking of setting up a float fishing gear. What I currently have in mind right now...
rod
https://alflahertys.com/product_detail.php?pc=C&psc=48&searchColumn=ALL&searchString=streamside&uid=1440&page_num=0
reel

or should i just get the amundson combo?
http://www.centerpinangling.com/rod&reel-combos.html

amundson combo is about $30 more...

 

[iJay]

This is opinion speaking here.

I myself when I was 13 started to seriously fish for steelhead. Had a 6' Ugly stick as I was able to refine my skills moved up to a 8' then a 10' rod and a 10' 6". Now a 12' 6" rod.

I am not sure of your expirence with steal heading, I would advise you of starting with a rod that has some back bone but a sensitive tip. The 10' and 10' 6" Shimano Covergence series is what I learned on. The backbone I was able to set the hook and not worry about snapping the rod. Also provided alot more strength when fighting the fish. The sensitivy of the tip also taught me the difference between hooking a rock or branch and a fish.

The rod you posted is an IM8, I am assuming it is a light action rod ( not stated on the website) there is ALOT of play at the tip of these rods and when I was learning, going from a medium action 10' rod to a 10' 6" light/fast action rod was night and day difference.

The reel, a bit too flashy for my taste. Not much known about that specific CP.

I hope somewhere in my bantering helped you in your descion.

 

[rich_ace_G]

thanks bud. The reel may look flashy but it is actually a cheaper okuma float reel $179 and the rod is $60. So far this could be a good learning gear. I fish for steels but mostly with plugs and spinners.

 

[iJay]

The Aventa is a bit cheaper and less flashy. I did like the reel when I saw it in the stores, however when I saw a fellow fisherman using it. It stands out, like really stands out. kinda like these kids now-a-days wearing those neon yellow shoes LOL

But hey if it functions, go fo it! I am in no way trying to stray you from your descion, rather just given my opinion.

 

[morrisbp]

I think that the reel you chose was the Okuma raw 2, its basically a new paint job on a Aventa (bearing model) . Basically the raw 2 was made to appeal to a different demographic. They both will preform similarly. Raven makes a good quality series of rods. http://www.raventackle.com/float_rods.htm. For float fishing i believe personally that if you have extra money and you dont know if you should put your extra $50 into a centerpin or rod, you should buy a better rod.

 

[morrisbp]

There is also a guy selling an aventa and a streamside rod in the classified of this fourm.

 

[TRINIBOY]

thanks bud. The reel may look flashy but it is actually a cheaper okuma float reel $179 and the rod is $60. So far this could be a good learning gear. I fish for steels but mostly with plugs and spinners.

I got the same float reel and love it no problems and I've had it two seasons now. Matter of fact I prefer it over the KP that I also own.

 

[rich_ace_G]

Awesome information guys. I'm scouting a lot of reviews as I have 4 gears (2 spinning) (1baitcasting)(1 flyfishing) and every set up never went over $150.

 

[efka]

pm chasechrome, i think him or his brother works for amundson, he says they are great combos.
someone actualy won a combo in last year steelhead trip to saugeen.

 

[staffman]

Depending on where you intend to fish a 13 foot rod would be a better length rod. The 11' 6" would be OK if you are only going to fish small creeks. Both reels would be good starting reels. I would prefer the Amundson Steelheader or the Rapala Classic drifter over the Okuma. I think the Steelheader is around 220 and the Drifter is around 150.

 

[coldfeet]

Haven't used either of those reels but heard the Amundson is a little better quality. what's $30? That's doesn't even buy coffee for a month at Tim's.My 2 cents

 

[Chumminit]

Keep an eye out for Kijiji ads

Last month I picked up a G.loomis GLX 13' 3 piece with an Islander Searun reel all for 350$...they had it posted for more but I made the offer and it was the best deal...used lightly only 2 season.

Im sure you can find a great setup on your budget

 

[buck]

.

 

[ChaseChrome]

Hey Rich...I've fished most setups and you're right to seek economy (chum has it right also...kijiji etc.) when starting. Yup, Trin uses the Raw (though he is a crappy fisherman....) and is quite good.

I've fished the combo...but it is really an entry level kit for younger anglers who waren't entirely sure on whether it's for them. It. ust be said however that the Savvy float rod is quite good. I fished the Laredo also (with an adjustable reel seat...and cheap for IM8) which is a great rod...that, equipped with the Iron Head CP from Amundson is very nice.

The IHead CP is built by the same designers as the Islander for a fraction of the price...in fact I think this reel is better than most (a little heavier and bomb-proof)

I'm happy to put it in people's hands if they want to give it a spin...as I don't fish the float setup.

Good luck man!