Noob asks, What makes a steelhead rig?

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TripleNickel
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2011/11/07 19:26:33 (permalink)

Noob asks, What makes a steelhead rig?

Recently got into steelhead and salmon fishing in the Lake Ontario tributaries here in Central NY. Would like to shift away from spinning rods to fly rods. I've got a few fly rods I've picked up over the years and a reel. The rods are 9' and 8'-6" with a couple being 8-weight and one being 7/8 wt. Two are Cortlands and one an older Pfleuger bass-bugging rod as I recall. The reel is a Pfleuger Medalist sized for 8-weight.

I'd rather use what I have than buy a dedicated steelhead rig; but don't want to destroy them. Will these rods (and reel) work? What line/leader/backing would work best? Would braided line (30 or 40# test Power Pro) work as either leader or backing?

Thanks in advance.

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    rockcutter
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    RE: Noob asks, What makes a steelhead rig? 2011/11/07 20:15:53 (permalink)
    9' 8 weight works good reel not sure about the model you have I like large arbore orvis you want a reel good drag. Not sure about size of stream that you are fishing in erie I like nymphing line works good for roll casting.If you do change rods 10' or 11' 7weight great rod.
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    FiveMilePete
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    RE: Noob asks, What makes a steelhead rig? 2011/11/08 01:31:44 (permalink)

    ORIGINAL: TripleNickel

    Recently got into steelhead and salmon fishing in the Lake Ontario tributaries here in Central NY. Would like to shift away from spinning rods to fly rods. I've got a few fly rods I've picked up over the years and a reel. The rods are 9' and 8'-6" with a couple being 8-weight and one being 7/8 wt. Two are Cortlands and one an older Pfleuger bass-bugging rod as I recall. The reel is a Pfleuger Medalist sized for 8-weight.

    I'd rather use what I have than buy a dedicated steelhead rig; but don't want to destroy them. Will these rods (and reel) work? What line/leader/backing would work best? Would braided line (30 or 40# test Power Pro) work as either leader or backing?

    Thanks in advance.





    9' 7/8 wt. is fine with an 8 wt. line. Braided line can be used for backing, not leader. I'd question the reel, because I don't think that reel has a very good drag. You can pick up a decent disk drag large arbor reel for less than $100.
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    BDocter
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    RE: Noob asks, What makes a steelhead rig? 2011/11/08 15:31:09 (permalink)
    Use the 7/8 or 8 weight. The reel will work and if doesn't, the first fish u get will let u know. ;) 9 foot 3x or 4x leader with 6, 8, or 10lb test tippet(conditions dependent). 150 yards backing minimum. Good luck and enjoy the change of pace!
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    dano
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    RE: Noob asks, What makes a steelhead rig? 2011/11/20 14:07:09 (permalink)
    I'd wait for november steelhead season where a 7/8 wt would be just fine.
    I've used longer 7/8 weight rods on kings and it can be quite a chore landing em', especially for a newbie.
    Find a cheap 9 or 10 wt for the salmon. Fish what you got for the steel.
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