line question

There's alot of good choices and there's alot of different opinions on this board.

First off, I would suggest to spool up with regular mono (I have 8lb hi vis Suffix). Then I use a barrel swivel and tie my fluoro leader onto the swivel. This way you don't spend alot of money for the fluoro on your reel (that won't really make that much a difference to start with) and I think the smaller filler spools are better fluoro to start with.

That said, I use 6lb P-line fluoro for my leader (about $8 for 25 yds). However, I have used the 5.8lb Redwing Phantom Fluoro and so far this is my favorite. It seems to be a bit stronger and much more abrasive resistant than the P-line. This is sold at Poor Richards. Any bait shop in Erie would be able to hook you up with some good line.

ORIGINAL: Pafisher4

First off, I would suggest to spool up with regular mono (I have 8lb hi vis Suffix). Then I use a barrel swivel and tie my fluoro leader onto the swivel. This way you don't spend alot of money for the fluoro on your reel (that won't really make that much a difference to start with) and I think the smaller filler spools are better fluoro to start with.

x2

my personal choice for fluorocarbon is Drennan - especially in the cold months.
Maxima is a close second.

4lb Pline 100% fluro. you will not break it on steelhead. if you go with 6lb you will get alot less strikes. 4lb works good for most sitiations. when the water gets gin clear and low i tie a tiny swivel and use seagar grand max 3.7# people say thats way to lite. i land 80% of the fish hooked.

Dennis,

I believe the Tectan would be finely suited for a tippet material.  The best part about it is that the 9.2 lb test looks like your straight 6 lb monofilament. 

For where you are fishing, I would say this is a suitable tippet material for the streamers you like to fish....in the event you are drifting eggs or nymphs, I would use a loop knot to let the fly move more naturally, or bump down to a smaller line rating if you are using a cinch knot.  The DAM line is without a doubt the best monofilament I have ever used.