What size rod to buy for Steelies

[brichards44]

I am getting back into salmon and steelhead fishing. I typically have drift fished most of the time. There are a million rods now. Any suggestions on one that will work for both and what size should I buy?

[Rick]

I like longer rods. For an all purpose steelhead rod I'd go 9'6" rated 6-12. Its long enough that you can also float fish with it.

If you had to go with just one rod and wanted to use it for salmon and steelhead I'd still go 9'6" but bump it up to 8-17.

[MtnMuley]

I fish light tackle for everything.  The rod you need should be based on the type of fishing you're going to be doing.  Ocean, River, Boat, Shore, etc.  I use a couple G Loomis 8'6" 8-17 medium action extra fast tipped rods for chinook and steelies in the rivers--light, but well worth the fight imo.

[garyltbh]

i use the same rods as mnt muley only a little heavier great rods

[Hillbilly270]

I like longer rods. For an all purpose steelhead rod I'd go 9'6" rated 6-12. Its long enough that you can also float fish with it.

If you had to go with just one rod and wanted to use it for salmon and steelhead I'd still go 9'6" but bump it up to 8-17.

  i'd go with rogue rods if it were me.

[87Ford]

As a general purpose steelhead rod I think 8'6" is best.  It's long enough yet easier to fight through the brush getting to the river bank.  I've waded many miles of river bank and fished out of a driftboat a whole bunch with my 8'6" Loomis 8-12lb.  I like Lamiglas too.

[boneaddict]

9'6" 9 weight does wonders for steelies and salmon.  Its a little over gunned for steelies.  7 is probably the best.  I've caught several on a 3 and 4 and many on a 5.  Those are pretty light though.  7's work better at throwing appropriate lines for bigger water.   I've caught a bunch of chum on a 7 but it was undergunned.  A 9 is often undergunned for Kings but perfect for almost all other salmonids.

[garyltbh]

that is a big question what tipe water are you fishing  what kind of rigging are you going to use are you drift fishing are you bank fishing are you boat fishing let us no alittle more and mabey someone can help you choise the right rod

[Huntbear]

Do you want one rod for both summer and winter steelhead?  If so, I would recommend a 9' or 9'6" MH with a fast action.  With like a 10-20 line rating.  You get the best of both worlds that way.  Enough tip to feel the light bites, but enough rod to deal with winter water levels, and the bigger winter fish.  It will also double well as a spring Chinook rod.

Best I can do, unless you get much more specific with your techniques.

[Antlershed]

I dont think you can have one rod that does it all, but the closest is the G Loomis steelhead series 1165 9'8" 8-17.

[cwuwildcat]

Slightly off topic, but I've had this same question, and this one goes along with the OP.  Cast or spin rod?

[MtnMuley]

All based on your application.

[Antlershed]

Slightly off topic, but I've had this same question, and this one goes along with the OP.  Cast or spin rod?

For my suggestion, casting, but I agree with MtnMuley that it all depends on the application.

[h2ofowlr]

If your fishing out of a boat I would go with a 8'6" rod or there abouts.  If your bank fishing 9'6" or longer would be the way to go in a 6-20 lb range depending on river and size of steelhead you are targeting.

[270Shooter]

Ok, not to jack the thread, but here is what I am doing. Bobber fishing from a boat, at drano ect... What do you recomend?