Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: kindalonismo on November 03, 2010, 01:40:10 PM

Title: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: Chromie on November 03, 2010, 01:43:48 PM
What are you useing right now most likely you can use the same set up ..
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: Brian on November 03, 2010, 02:48:37 PM
^^

most salmon rod setups can be used for steelheading.  Just don't use a sockeye rig.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. 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
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: BigFisher on November 03, 2010, 07:32:02 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. ;)
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: mvelasco 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.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: brownmancheng on November 03, 2010, 09:58:21 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??
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: kindalonismo 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.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: adriaticum on November 03, 2010, 11:35:21 PM
Nothing like a good bouncing betty to dig up some gravel 
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: azafai on November 04, 2010, 10:33:02 AM

looks like you have been through that!!
now teach him something better.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: kindalonismo on November 04, 2010, 12:50:56 PM
Nothing like a good bouncing betty to dig up some gravel 
;D ;D ;D

With 100 lb braided and treble hooks... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on November 05, 2010, 01:33:46 PM
Quote
can i use my levelwind??

A Baitcaster is a level wind casting reel.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: adriaticum 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.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: Matt 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.
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: JTReed on November 08, 2010, 03:44:42 PM
With 100 lb braided and treble hooks... ;D ;D ;D

And a 25 foot of leader or if you can coil it up on the bank in the 50 foot range. and make sure to drift for 100 meters. hahaha
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: kindalonismo on November 08, 2010, 06:54:12 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.

Thanks so much for the great feedback Matt and Adriaticum! Really appreciate it!  ;D
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: kindalonismo on November 08, 2010, 06:55:08 PM
And a 25 foot of leader or if you can coil it up on the bank in the 50 foot range. and make sure to drift for 100 meters. hahaha

Haha! Classic!  :D
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: joska on November 09, 2010, 06:08:35 PM
Thanks so much for the great feedback Matt and Adriaticum! Really appreciate it!  ;D
great tip, i have a M 10#-20# HMX and a abu 6600 EXT. was thinking of spooling up with the Maxima Chameleon, any thoughts on that?
Title: Re: Steelhead Set-up Question?
Post by: carpenter on November 19, 2010, 09:44:21 PM
i think ultra green is the standard  ;)