Question on Line

[Wind Knot]

I have just purchased a new 7 weight 9’ rod. I will be using it primarily for summer steelhead in SW Washington. I have yet to purchase a reel and line. Please give me your thoughts, especially line.

Thank you,

Wind Knot

[AndyK]

I have just purchased a new 7 weight 9’ rod. I will be using it primarily for summer steelhead in SW Washington. I have yet to purchase a reel and line. Please give me your thoughts, especially line.




For summer steelhead, a weight forward floating line will work fine. You won't need the added expense of a multi-tip. I personally like the Cortland Lazer lines.

It is easy to spend too much for a reel. There are many reels in the $100 (or less) range that would be satisfactory.

[drbfish]

I agree with Andy, but I am a SA fan. I loved the Ultra 3 but they are hard to find so am using the GPX.

[Wind Knot]

Thank you,

[Fish Slayer]

I bought one of those Rio multi-tip lines and love it. It's kind of spendy, but I'm sure Rio has a line to fit your needs. I also had one of the Cortland Lazer Lines and it was great. As far as reels go, I bought an Okuma from Sportsman's Warehouse in Salem a couple years ago and love it. It has met every expectation I had and it was only like $50 or $60. Like AndyK said there are many good quality reels for under $100 that will suit your needs just fine. :twocents:

[gimmeumpqua]

Line matching can be a challenge, and is probably the most important piece of your setup. Generally, if your rod is a stiffer faster action rod, you can't beat the SA GPX. It's generally slightly heavier than the rated line, but not as heavy as the next step up. Rio Steelhead taper, and Wulff triple taper will all work well. If your rod is more of a medium action, then a longer belly WF line may load better. I would stay away from DT lines for steelhead....and Fishslayer is right on....my fancy Abel reels have not made me one bit better at catching fish....but they sure are pretty and nice to handle....

Kurt

[lilnorthfork]

For the money, I like the Scientific Anglers System 2L ('L' for light). I have fished the 56 for trout and the 78 for steelhead for a few years and am happy with them.
:cheers:
lnf

[Azeal]

I like the Rio Versa-Tip system. If you ever plan to use the set up in colder months, you will save money buying it over buying 2/3 quality lines plus spare spools.

For reels, you can't beat the GLoomis Ventures. Awesome drag, machined aluminum, tough, and $100 bucks.