Looking for advice

[steelheadslayer]

I'm looking at picking up an entry level set up. I'm thinking a 9' 8wt rod and reel for steelhead and silvers. Don't want to spend much money and won't be able to spend anything until later in the summer. What do you guys know about the Cabelas CVR reel, it looks alright or how about Okuma? Rod suggestions? Thanks.

[SilverFly]

Do you mean "CSR" reel? My new 10wt outfit is the Cabela's "Three Forks/CSR combo". Overall I am very impressed with the quality given the price. My only complaints are that the rod action is a bit slow and the minimum drag setting on the reel is a touch tighter than I like. That said it casts pretty well and still has plenty of backbone when fighting a fish. If your on a tight budget (like me) I think the Cabela's combos are tough to beat for the $$$.

For rods, if you can spend a bit more I would look at Temple Fork Outfitters, or Redington.

For reels, large arbor and adjustable drag is nice, but I've caught plenty of steelhead and silvers on a basic click drag reel with a palming spool. Besides, busted up knuckles and palm blisters just add to the overall experience!

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[nookslayer]

I am a big TFO fan, I have 3 now. I would look at the lefty kreh series 1 rods. Specificaly TF08902 which is the 8wt 9ft 2 piece. Beauty rod for about $90.00 and it feels like a lot more. I have the TiCR's but these series 1 are great rods. Silver Fly is right though in the fact that Cabela's is hard to beat on their combos, but they do include the TFO rods in those. That CSR reel is a good option for a large arbor reel. DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR LINE THOUGH!!!

[BroCam]

Okuma fly reels drag dont last. One good day of fishing and its shot.

[cphatts]

My first purchase was a St Croix Imperial 9ft 8 weight and it has served me well. I bought an Okuma Integrity 7/8 which also served me well, but based on reports from othere you may want to shy away from Okuma....I think I may have gotten lucky. The Pflueger Trion is a great reel for around $100. I just picked one up and love it so far!

[steelheadslayer]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think i'm going to stick with my 9' 7 weight Grigg but I need a newer better quality reel. One that won't break the bank with a spare spool and some quality line to put on it. :cheers: