Once you’ve picked up your reels it is decision time, yet again. What type of line do you use while fishing for steelhead? Answer is that you have some options available to you
Fly fishing is a little more involved. Get ready to spend about another $50 plus to get your spools filled. Which reminds me, yesterday I mentioned that you really need to pick up a spare spool for your reel at the time of purchase. The reason is that you should go out into field prepared for both water and fish location. That means two types of fly line.
The first type is a “floating” line, and the opposite of course is a “sinking” line. This comes after loading the reel up with “backing”, which is normally 20 or 30 lb dacron. The fly line itself is brightly colored, normally orange or green. Floating line can be used in shallow water conditions, while the sinking line is used when the rivers are running high, or there are holes that you want your presentation to get down to. Next up is the tippet, and finally your leader material gets tied to the fly you are using.
With a spinning reel, there are options available here too. If you are using a light action, longer rod, then 6 lb test is a good option. Normally you will be using a fly or roe for bait, and a heavier line will not cast as well. Maxima ultra green is a good line to use. If you want to be feeling that “tick tick” of your weight hitting bottom, then use an 8 lb braid, in some manufactures product 10 lb due to the small diameter is acceptable. I put on my mono backing, then 8 lb/ 1lb diameter Power Pro, and then a 6 or 8 lb Vanish fluorocarbon leader.
When casting crankbaits, an 8 or 10 lb mono is all you need. Make it a clear line, or if the water conditions allow, green works too. I use an 8′6″ medium action rod when casting baits. If you actually wanted to keep your starting costs down, this length and action is a good all around choice for just having one rod to do everything with.