Steelhead Fly Rod

[kglass]

In my experience, a 6 weight is the perfect tool for idaho steelhead! the thing you have to remember is that the strength of the tippet that you use, not the line designation of the rod, determines how much pressure you can put on the fish. I use a 6 weight and usually 8 or 10lb maxima (which is 1x and 0x, respectively). If you plan on using line heavier than this (which isnt normally necessary, unless you are fishing very quick water for B runs), you would be best to go up to a 7 or an 8 weight. the advantage of using your six weight is that you wont be as fatigued from high sticking all day. even casting sinktips, the 6 weight does fine. one thing that i would recommend to everyone is to really put your tippet and gear to the test, so you know what it is capable of. when you hook a big sucker or something, try to horse it in... you will be amazed at how much pressure you can get away with. I have caught hundreds of steelhead with the 6 weight, up to 36", and it never takes more than 5-10 minutes to land them, unless they are in really swift water.
also, the only rod i have ever broken while fighting a steelhead was an 8 weight. go figure.
if you want a new rod and reel for under $200 though, tfo is the way to go!
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