Topic: Steelhead Set-up Question? (Read 10155 times)

kindalonismo · « **on:** November 03, 2010, 01:40:10 PM »

Hoping to continue fishing this winter/spring for steelhead? This was my first season river fishing and want to keep it going.

What does everyone suggest for a set-up for steehead from shore. (Rod weight/levelwind reel model?).

Budget is part of this for sure, so just want to see what guys think?

Thanks in advance guys

Chromie · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2010, 01:43:48 PM »

What are you useing right now most likely you can use the same set up ..

Brian · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2010, 02:48:37 PM »

^^

most salmon rod setups can be used for steelheading. Just don't use a sockeye rig.

Fish or cut bait. · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2010, 04:13:41 PM »

Quote

Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
« Reply #2 on: Today at 02:48:37 PM »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

^^

most salmon rod setups can be used for steelheading. Just don't use a sockeye rig.

Exactly. Your approach will differ but basically the same set-up.
A 9'-12' rod and short-float your regular salmon lures (or bait where permitted) with a baitcaster or centerpin.
(if you're new I'd suggest the baistcaster as you can cover more water. BUT, after you know where they are; a centerpin is definitely more fun)
A spinning reel will work but you have to know how to use it, especially if you need to drift.
This is a readers digest version to get you on the water, but steelheading requires a a bit more than just flinging a gob of roe into the current.
Where there was once a 100 Coho there are now 5 steelhead (just an example)
Steelhead is a whole other animal that some get lucky with and others are gods.
The rest just want stay in the middle.

Good luck

Fish Slayer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2010, 07:06:35 PM »

Steelhead have to be the easiest fish to catch, they are so aggressive towards presentations it's stupidly easy. The hard part for many is trying to locate the fish within a piece of water.

BigFisher · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2010, 07:32:02 PM »

Quote from: Fish Slayer on November 03, 2010, 07:06:35 PM

Steelhead have to be the easiest fish to catch, they are so aggressive towards presentations it's stupidly easy. The hard part for many is trying to locate the fish within a piece of water.

Amen, Once you found them, have some fun...... Its finding them. Why do you think there is fishing and then something called steelheading? Whole different ball game. Cant live without it.

mvelasco · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2010, 08:17:27 PM »

Picked up a shimano corvulus reel which is great for the auto stop and a cold water steelhead/salmon rod for 200.00 on the nose at wholesale sports in largely on highway ten.they spool line for free as well.

brownmancheng · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2010, 09:58:21 PM »

Quote from: Fish or cut bait. on November 03, 2010, 04:13:41 PM

Exactly. Your approach will differ but basically the same set-up.
A 9'-12' rod and short-float your regular salmon lures (or bait where permitted) with a baitcaster or centerpin.
(if you're new I'd suggest the baistcaster as you can cover more water. BUT, after you know where they are; a centerpin is definitely more fun)
A spinning reel will work but you have to know how to use it, especially if you need to drift.

can i use my levelwind??

kindalonismo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2010, 11:25:45 PM »

Thanks for all of the feedback guys! Looking forward to trying it out and seeing if I can locate one this winter.

Will continue to use my med weight rod, but time to update my baitcaster to a better model.

adriaticum · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2010, 11:35:21 PM »

Nothing like a good bouncing betty to dig up some gravel

azafai · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2010, 10:33:02 AM »

looks like you have been through that!!
now teach him something better.

kindalonismo · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2010, 12:50:56 PM »

Quote from: adriaticum on November 03, 2010, 11:35:21 PM

Nothing like a good bouncing betty to dig up some gravel

With 100 lb braided and treble hooks...

Fish or cut bait. · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2010, 01:33:46 PM »

Quote

can i use my levelwind??

A Baitcaster is a level wind casting reel.

adriaticum · « **Reply #13 on:** November 07, 2010, 11:42:17 AM »

If you want 1 rod and reel then get a 10-20lb rated Convergence by Shimano and a low profile baitbasting reel like Abu Garcia Revo S or Revo Torro.
That's all you need for all your fresh water SS fishing. Most versitile setup for a wide range of fish. From 3 lb to 40 lb.
The most important investment is to spend time on the river.
The rest is all relative and a matter of taste, opinion and experience.
Just do the time on the river.

Matt · « **Reply #14 on:** November 07, 2010, 10:29:20 PM »

You'll probably be able to find a float fishing combo at a tackle shop for around $200. Personally, I like Abu round reels- simple, durable and they perform plenty well. An Abu 5600C4 or C3 would be a good choice. The Fenwick 10.5' HMX is a great rod for relatively cheap, its a softer rod and flexes nicely. Everyone jumps to say Maxima Ultragreen is THE line the buy, but I prefer Berkley Trilene Big Game- its cheaper, much longer lasting and just as strong. Its a higher quality line IMO.

Author Topic: Steelhead Set-up Question? (Read 10155 times)