Fishing Information


Choosing Steelhead Gear


Steelhead Gear

Like many things in fly fishing you can ask 10 different fly anglers a single question and you'll get 10 different answers. Asking what steelhead rod one should use for fly fishing is no different. Every circumstance is different. And the answer varies with each situation. However let's try to get a generic answer so everyone can at least get started in this rewarding aspect of fly fishing.

RODS

Most steelheaders use at least a seven weight rod. And in fact that is my recommendation. There that would be the end of it, except for one thing. We, fly fishermen have a perpetual habit of complicating things. Choosing rods is no different. A seven weight, in my opinion is an ideal all around steelhead rod, that will work for any steelhead conditions. However if one is fishing out west in big water, under windy conditions, fighting bigger than average fish, then you will be cursing your seven weight rod in no time, as being too light. Therefore before you buy, think about the fishing you most plan to do. If your favorite river is large and the fish are big and the current is strong then seven weight will not be big enough, if the stream is smaller and the fish are in the six pound range than seven weight will be plenty. And some thrill seeking fly fisher's will use six.

As for length, the absolute shortest rod I would use is 9 foot. With 9 and a half recommended, especially for weights over 7. Again think of the conditions and the same rules for weight, more or less work for length. Longer rods provide longer casts, and more control. Out west two-handed spey rods are becoming more and more popular for steelhead fishing. With roll casting often required. Two handed rods allow the longest casting and can lengthen the fishing season, when high waters would force one off the river, when using a single handed rod.

REELS

When playing a steelhead, the reel becomes much more than just a place to store your fly line. The reel needs to be reliable as steelhead switch directions instantly peeling off line. They need to be large enough to hold your fly line and 150 yards of backing. Large arbor reels are becoming popular as they pick line up in a hurry, when your prized steelie decides to run at you.

LINE

Erie steelheaders tend to use floating line as the rivers are smaller, they are perfect. If you would like a little boost in casting then get a weight forward line, marked by WF on the package. On big rivers one should carry a floating line and a sinking tip line, as the conditions change during the season. Getting the fly down to the fish is vital.

LEADERS

Most steelheaders actually make their own leaders. Using Maxima Chameleon more often then not. Tippets should be 0x or smaller, Erie steelheaders can go up to 4x on clear water days. But bigger river anglers should stay around 0x or .011 diameter to turn over the bigger flies, and to allow for strong arming the fish. For detailed leader recipes check our www.globalflyfisher.com.

Well that's it if you have never tried steelhead fly fishing you are in for a treat. Use this guide as a starting spot for acquiring the proper gear, pick up a few flies from www.bigyflyco.com and just add water.

About The Author

Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company - http://www.bigyflyco.com. He can be reached at info@bigyflyco.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Kansas City Star

Chinese fishing boat in diplomatic snare
The Australian
JAPAN has hauled the captain of a Chinese trawler in for questioning after his vessel was involved in a chase and two collisions with Japanese patrol boats ...
China demands Japan release detained fishing boat, guarantee crew's safetyXinhua
China: all quiet on US front but fishing row flares with JapanFinancial Times (blog)
China protests Japanese coastguards' clash with fishing boatMonsters and Critics.com
PanOrient News -Mainichi Daily News -BBC News
all 418 news articles »


Brothers drown on fishing trip
Atlanta Journal Constitution
AP Wilkinson County officials say two brothers drowned while on a fishing trip in the county. Coroner William Matthews Sr. says 55-year-old Melvin Harris of ...
2 brothers drown in Wilkinson CountyMacon Telegraph

all 13 news articles »


Chicago Tribune

Asian Carp Endanger Fishing Industry, Boaters
ABC News
The spread of the fish threatens the $7 billion a year fishing industry there. The fish spawn three times a year and consume 40 percent of their body weight ...
Federal Court Battle Against Asian Carp Set to Continue Next WeekPressZoom (press release)
Indian tribe wants to join Asian carp lawsuitNews from Indian Country
Testimony continues in lawsuit to protect Great Lakes from Asian carpMLive.com
Lansing State Journal
all 198 news articles »


Fishing Banned Near Petaluma Oil Spill
CBS 5
Authorities have instituted a ban on fishing until further notice in a part of the Petaluma River where a tugboat leaked up to 600 gallons of fuel into the ...
Fishing banned after Petaluma River oil spillSanta Rosa Press Democrat

all 45 news articles »


Despite Earl, anglers enjoy good fishing
Tasley Eastern Shore News
Despite the weather, anglers have been enjoying good fishing in the area. Flounder have actually been caught from the surf lately, along with pinhead ...
Shep on Fishing: A smooth Labor Day weekend after Earl passes throughPress of Atlantic City
Time to say farewell to summer flounderAsbury Park Press

all 4 news articles »


Hybrid Cars News

EPA backs off lead shot but may limit lead tackle
Bellingham Herald
But the agency is still considering restrictions on lead in fishing tackle. The agency said it does not have legal authority to regulate ammunition under ...
Hunting and fishingHeraldNet (blog)
A Rare Moment of Sanity at EPAWest Virginia MetroNews

all 50 news articles »


Football before fishing, hunting
Broken Arrow Ledger
When it comes to fishing, Mathis prefers “going for the largemouth bass” and he attacks the angling and hunting with a football mentally – intense. ...
SPORTS BRIEFS: Sept. 8, 2010Broken Arrow Ledger

all 2 news articles »


Fishing Report: Redfish action getting red hot
Marco Eagle
Fishing out of Caxambas Pass, Capt. Bill Jones was looking for some tarpon willing to eat a chunk of bait, when his anglers caught two jumbo snook. ...
Capt. Charlie Conner/Fish Tales ChartersThe Ledger (blog)

all 3 news articles »


John Berry's Fly-Fishing for Trout: Fishing with grasshoppers
Baxter Bulletin
Steve was fishing a sowbug (size 16) with a bit of lead on the leader suspended 5 feet below a strike indicator. Becky had a black zebra midge (size 16) ...

and more »


Aljazeera.net

N. Korea releases S. Korean fishing crew
CNN International
By the CNN Wire Staff (CNN) -- North Korea has released a South Korean fishing boat and its crew, whom it seized last month, the South's Coast Guard said ...
Freedom for South Korean fishing creweuronews
North Korea to release South fishing boatReuters
DPRK to release S. Korean fishing boat and crewXinhua
Straits Times -Voice of America -AFP
all 1,204 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007