Fly Rod Suggestions for Great Lakes Steelhead

[wongrs]

Hi All,

I'd like to ask for some suggestions regarding a new setup. I currently have a 6 wt rod. I'd like my new setup to accomplish the following:
1) fish for Great Lakes steelhead in the tribs.
2) fish for bass in cover.
3) fish for pike

I've done enough research to figure that I'd like an 8wt rod for the above. What I can't decide on is whether I want a single-hander, double-hander or a switch rod.

I was hoping to get a decent rod/reel setup for $350-400 (reel would be a pfleuger trion or okuma).

I'm mostly a single-hander kind of guy but the idea of doing easy roll-casts at the end of a long day is appealing. The only problem is that switch rods seem rather expensive right now. Any rod I find looks to cost over $350. For that amount of money, I might as well just buy a single-hander TFO for $200 and wait a few years for a switch or spey rod.

So, I'd like to ask the following questions:
1) does anybody on here own a switch rod? Can you comment on whether it achieves single/double handed casts without compromising either?
2) has anyone used a double-hander for pike/bass fishing? is it practical?
3) can any steelheaders recommend whether fast/medium/slow action is best for steelheading?

thanks in advance for any input.

[Todd B.]

wongrs,

Well first off I'd have to say that you're not going to find a rod that is great for both steelhead and bass/pike due to the differences in the fishing styles and requirements. I would agree with an 8wt as the best choice for your dual purpose. I myself have gone the same way.

For the most part, steelheading (at least around the lower Great Lakes) typically does not require you to cast far. In most cases you'll find yourself high-stick nymphing. That said, the preferred steelhead rod is usually a 10' 7wt, medium action with a soft tip. With the fast rods you'll encounter more break offs when using lighter tippet.

For bass/pike in cover you're looking at a rod that can turn over the larger flies as well as have the backbone to horse fish out of cover.

What I wound up purchasing was a TFO TiCr 9' 8wt. It's in between a medium and medium fast rod that I feel gives me pretty good coverage in terms of steelhead and bass/pike fishing.

In a nutshell I'd recommend a single handed 9' 8wt that is not overly fast. On the Ovis flex scale I'd say an 8.0.

Cheers,
Todd

[wongrs]

thanks Todd. that's the way i was leaning as well. i'll consider picking up a double-hander if i move to the surf or other expansive waters.

[Salar]

I've got a 9'6" Sage Fli 8wt. It's been a great rod for steelheading and atlantic salmon fishing.

Cheers,

Salar.