Tackle, Tools, Methods

Hello,
 
New to the board.  Work has me in PA about half the time, and Erie is a place I will be spending time. I fished fresh water seriously for a few years before converting to surfcasting saltwater. 
 
I have looked through some older threads to learn more about the methods and tackle that are successful in the area, specifically steelhead.  I am confident that the equipment I already have will cover SMB, LMB, walleye, etc.
 
I have also watched some videos on the well known areas for steelhead. It intrigues me to see 4W fly rods built as spinning for steelhead.  Also, the use of 2-4lb fluorocarbon for fish is also a big difference.  Even when I fish for albacore I am using 20lb leader.
 
I am looking forward to a new kind of fishing.  I have waders, korkers, and I have built custom rods for 18 years, so I am looking forward to a new build for steelhead in the tributaries.
 
So my question is, what is your favorite rod and why? (What application?)
 
Gary
 
 

I have a preference for a parabolic, slower action rod.  This is why I am intrigued by building a 10' 4W fly rod for the tributaries. I am not sure how this type of rod may affect the ability to feel a subtle strike.  I also don't know how important strike indication may be for a jig fishing versus floating some an egg. With a float it seems like more sight fishing (actually seeing the strike), or reacting to the float.
 

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback. 
 
My choices in surf rods are almost pre-historic on the North East.  Lamiglas, a great American company has fallen out of favor and replaced by foreign manufactures in the surf. These foreign rods are more expensive than the domestic Lamiglas.
 
I have old diawa inshore (circa 1997) 7' 1 piece rod (1/4-5/8) that I absolutely love.  It has been an excellent LMB, SMB and schoolie striper rod.  It should work well for casting at the lake, albeit a little light for large fish.  A smooth drag should help minimize any issues with this lighter rod. I considered this for the tributaries, but the short length may be a disadvantage with line control.
 
A longer light surf blank may actually be a serviceable option, but may not be as favorable as a fly blank.  The fly blank also gives me 2 and 4 piece options.
 
For surf I almost exclusively use 10' 1 piece rods, which makes transport a challenge.
 
I assume your 7W fly rod is a fly rod, and not a conversion.  I am not opposed to getting into fly, my curiosity for fly fishing has never been satisfied. This will be my 3rd season without serious shoulder pain after many tough years, and the thought of false casting has always discouraged me.
 
I have always fished "lighter" than the norm, but the norm in the tributaries is very light.

OCD - I overthink everything. 
 
Anyone can show up once and catch a big fish, or shoot a big buck in the rut, but to be successful consistently requires an attention to detail that is different.  Also, I believe confidence is the most important thing in fishing and hunting, if you have confidence you wake up earlier, stay engaged and stay later.  When I mark my tide chart in January for May, June and July I "know" the days I will be into big fish (based on moon, tide & time).  I assume Erie anglers have a good idea of when their fish will show up and where.
 
"Places" are not important to me (at this time), for a few reasons:
 
1) It is much more rewarding to find your own fish
2) No one is going to share real information for anyone to see
3) No reason to spot burn
 
"Gear and techniques" - Now this is important.  This week I am 6 hours away and I have time to research, and put together some gear to maximize my time in the field. The techniques are quite different and I need to acquire some new stuff and a system for storing the stuff that is efficient.
 
I try to be a minimalist with gear ("plugs" in the surf).  I bring what I plan to use, with minimal redundancy. With a "canal bike" or trike in my case we pack extra rods built to present different plugs with very specific applications. (Surf rods are like golf clubs, each with a specific application)
 
Another thought on gear.  Quality gear usually minimizes issues associated with inferior gear.  By using better gear you are managing more variables.  In the salt, this may matter more to due the corrosive nature, but as a rule, I tried to get the best equipment I can.  
 
Here is my plan so far:
 
1) rod for out in front of the lake.  For this I intend to use the 7' Diawa inshore rod with 2500 size reel.  20lb braid - 10 fluorocarbon (This may prove to be too heavy for leader, but less than 20lb running braid can cut your finger badly.
 
2) tribs - This is the big question mark.  for floating skinny water and narrow streams will 1 rod be enough?  This has been the trend in videos - long rod to control line, soft action to prevent pulling hooks and breaking light leader.
 
When I have seen "noodle" rods in my travels, I associate them with people fishing for crappie.  Maybe this was an inaccurate assumption.
 
I agree that you can catch on a Barbie rod, but I would assume the probability of landing the fish increase tremendously if you have the "right" gear. To me, gear describes an overall system.  The tools to get to the fish safely, present your bait, set the hook, play and land your fish. 
 
Almost 8am - time for work.  I appreciate your feedback.

Ged, you may be confusing a noodle rod with a cane pole. Noodle rod refers to a long, light powered, slow to moderate action rod, typically a spinning rod in our area. https://www.fishusa.com/L...Not-Just-for-Steelhead

Welcome Jed where were the pics taken in your post?

Fishing

FishinGuy
Ged, you may be confusing a noodle rod with a cane pole. Noodle rod refers to a long, light powered, slow to moderate action rod, typically a spinning rod in our area.

 You are 100% correct.  cane pole is what I was thinking.

bingsbaits
If you want to come over to the dark side a 10' 7wt. rod with any quality reel,a little floro tippet and you can be flinging fleas...
 

I admire fly fishing, I have a few early season schoolie spots that would be fly heaven. I had a few nice reels I acquired and traded away a few years back.  If I had known that my shoulder would have improved I would have held on to that gear.
 
I took up boxing a few years ago, and the training has increased my shoulder strength and eliminated the daily pain.  It was so bad, I would drive 75 miles each way, and only cast a dozen times due to the pain.
 
I have an 18 year old son who is bigger than me, the boxing training will help if he wants to challenge me to become the dominant male in the house!

I picked up archery deer hunting 10 years ago, I miss fishing the fall run.  Now I fish very little until Mid/late May when the Striper return.  I am looking forward to more fishing, not sure If I can shake off this hunting bug.
 
 

Back when my Daughter was in college R.I. I did fish a few times from the coast , amazing scenery and sights, schools of I think Blues forcing baitfish to the surface and the water just erupts the size of a football field thrashing white and with birds dropping out of the sky , I did have something hit a crab on a rod propped in a crack on the granite shore. That fish stripped line off like I had hooked a ski boat just at the west end of the Jamestown Bridge.It cut my 30 LB leader off just above the circle hook? Wife and I have put away some $$$ for a charter in that region when we are in Haverhill Ma. to visit . Do you have any suggestions of a good charter for cod, haddock, tuna ect. Thanks 

Is that at Sailsberry Beach ? Thank You ged