Helpful ReplyFly line for steelhead

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Twenty2
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2018/09/24 11:41:47 (permalink)

Fly line for steelhead

Hey all, looking for opinions on a decent 8wt fly line for steelhead. Never had a steelhead specific fly rod until this year. Always used my 9’6wt which did the job for me but now I have finally upgraded. Thanks in advance
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    cdcaddis
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    Re: Fly line for steelhead 2018/09/26 00:47:21 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby FiveMilePete 2018/09/26 20:54:34
    While some guys might want to go with a steelhead specific fly line I prefer to just use a good floating WF#6 or WF#7 line for nymphing on the PA and OH creeks.  You didn't mention what length rod you bought.  Is it a switch fly rod? 10' 6" - 11' 6"? If it is then you should be buying a switch line which is typically about two line weights heavier than what line is listed on the butt of the rod.  What I mean to say is a Rio switch line designed for a #7 line is going to be about 2X the diameter in the belly so you can achieve those super long casts.  But if you aren't fishing big rivers like the Cattaraugus you hardly need a switch rod or line.

    Flyfisher for fifty-four years.
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    countryfisher
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    Re: Fly line for steelhead 2018/09/27 21:12:08 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby FiveMilePete 2018/09/28 22:02:57
    If you are just using it on the Erie tribs, as long as it floats and floats well, it really matters little.  Avoid warm water lines, but as long as it is a decent quality floating line even a DT would work well... 
    I have used Cabelas Prestige Premier, Mastry GPX, and Rio Gold with little difference on stream.  They were all good.
    If you plan on hitting bigger rivers or beach casting with the same line you may have a harder time choosing.  Most of the time I buy any fly line I just look around for deals and sales on something with a good reputation and fits my general uses.
     
    I will link here for our sponsor if I was putting a new line on mine and buying something now.
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    indsguiz
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    Re: Fly line for steelhead 2018/10/18 12:35:06 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby FiveMilePete 2018/10/19 22:33:54
      This is sort of an esoteric subject.  Fishing for steel the best line is:  If it floats and don't break , ,  use it.  There's usually no need for those 50 foot casts, most people only have about 2 feet of line outside their rod guides, the rest is leader.  And combat fishing is the norm so long casts are usually a joke and simply interfere with other people fishing.  Now if you are fishing someplace other than Erie, get inventive. Buy the nitrogen-filled, super flexy, line of the month.  But remember, the noodle rod fishers are catching them on 8# mono all day long.
     

    Illegitimis Non carborundum
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