ohihunter2014 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I know its not bass fishing but want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. I am just getting started steelhead fishing and interested in a 9ft medium cabelas steelhead rod. I'm not fishing very large rivers just some lake Erie tributaries. would a 9ft medium action be good for bobber fishing? they also offer a 10ft but its a heavy action. what do you guys use? looking to stay under $75 for the rod. Quote
Airman4754 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 If you plan to drift fish you need a sensitive rod, or you need a lot of experience timing what weight goes through what water at what pace. Bobbers don't require much. Anything over 8'6" is complete overkill and makes it annoying to land fish in a boat or on the bank. My dad landed two steelies over 22lbs and I've caught one over 36". The average steelhead is 8lbs on a great piece of water. I use an 8'6" Lamiglas G1000 Medium for drift fishing with an Abu 4600C4. I have an Okuma SST 8' Medium for bobbers. The SST lineup is going to be the best bang for your buck. PM me if you're interested in some used stuff. I have an insane amount of river gear and I don't live in the PNW anymore so I'll probably never use it again. Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted March 16, 2017 Super User Posted March 16, 2017 I prefer ML for the Erie tribs. I have a 8'6" ML Avid I use with a spinning reel and a 13' ML Talon I use with the centerpin. Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 16, 2017 Author Posted March 16, 2017 25 minutes ago, S Hovanec said: I prefer ML for the Erie tribs. I have a 8'6" ML Avid I use with a spinning reel and a 13' ML Talon I use with the centerpin. you think a medium 9ft would be too much? i found the cabelas one on sale but if i have to spend a little more for a medium light that would help me get them better i would try and swing it. Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted March 16, 2017 Super User Posted March 16, 2017 I think the M won't be gentle or forgiving enough with the 4# and 6# line you will be using. Just my opinion tho. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 16, 2017 Super User Posted March 16, 2017 I rarely use less than 8# line in tribs. Only on a VERY bright clear day do I switch to 4 and 6# leaders. Shimano makes a 10' medium Michigan-grip in their Convergence line that is great for steelheads and browns in tight quarters. Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 16, 2017 Author Posted March 16, 2017 1 hour ago, S Hovanec said: I think the M won't be gentle or forgiving enough with the 4# and 6# line you will be using. Just my opinion tho. Using 10lbs with 6lbs leader. Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted March 16, 2017 Super User Posted March 16, 2017 6 minutes ago, ohihunter2014 said: Using 10lbs with 6lbs leader. I use 12# with 6# or 4# leaders. No 12# on the spinning reel, just the centerpin. I use 8 or 6 with leaders on the spinning reel. Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 17, 2017 Author Posted March 17, 2017 anyone else have an opinion on a 9ft medium rod for bobber fishing? trying to decide if i should get the cabelas one on sale or go with a longer one but it will be more $ and ill have to either drive 1.5hrs to get it or ship it. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 17, 2017 Super User Posted March 17, 2017 Length really just comes down to how big the streams are. For the Salmon R. in Pulaski, I use a 15'. For some of the creeks that are no wider than a narrow road, I use a 7'. Most typically use 10 - 13' around here. The length is to keep your main line off the water. I had a nice 9' Lamiglass spinning rod I used for kings that I like pretty well. It was beefy stick, not what I'd use with steelhead, but the length was not an issue. Quote
Super User WRB Posted March 17, 2017 Super User Posted March 17, 2017 Over your budget, take a close look at Lamiglas X-11 series steelhead rods. Tom Quote
Subaqua Adinterim Posted March 17, 2017 Posted March 17, 2017 Take a look at the Okuma's SST salmon/steelhead rods that are on sale now from Cabelas. One should do the job for you with spinning tackle. The centerpin thing is a whole different story, I have a lot of respect for what those guys do, but that takes things to a whole different level with more specialized equipment that I am not prepared to move to. 1 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 17, 2017 Super User Posted March 17, 2017 I try to keep it simple, and generally stick to an all purpose progressive shot pattern. I match float size to flow - more current, bigger float and more shot. I don't get too fancy with casting. Usually a modified Wallace cast flings the rig out 20 feet or so. You aren't looking to chuck it across the river. Incidentally, you can do float presentations with a spinning or baitcaster - you just have to open the bait/release the spool. I still float fish for salmon with an 11' casting rod and a Calcutta reel. Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 26, 2017 Author Posted March 26, 2017 anyone use a riversider rod from dicks? if so whats your thoughts? Quote
Big-Bass Posted March 26, 2017 Posted March 26, 2017 Riversider rods are nice for $39.99. To be honest and you may think I am crazy, but the Berkley C-Series (Crappie Pro) rods in 10' are legit and can be used for chrome no problem! I plan on using mine for American Shad on the Delaware. Soft mouths on crappie and shad and it will be perfect. Plus for steelhead, this rod has a great action that would suit many different applications. Hope this helps! Best wishes on the water! Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 26, 2017 Author Posted March 26, 2017 6 minutes ago, Big-Bass said: Riversider rods are nice for $39.99. To be honest and you may think I am crazy, but the Berkley C-Series (Crappie Pro) rods in 10' are legit and can be used for chrome no problem! I plan on using mine for American Shad on the Delaware. Soft mouths on crappie and shad and it will be perfect. Plus for steelhead, this rod has a great action that would suit many different applications. Hope this helps! Best wishes on the water! in your opinion would they hold up to a couple years of use of wait for the cabelas rod? Quote
Big-Bass Posted March 26, 2017 Posted March 26, 2017 Not sure...Cabela's rods tend to be a little heavy for their size/action. Have you looked into Fenwick rods? Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 27, 2017 Author Posted March 27, 2017 8 minutes ago, Big-Bass said: Not sure...Cabela's rods tend to be a little heavy for their size/action. Have you looked into Fenwick rods? I did but never steelhead fished before and cant wade cause I cant swim so trying to do it as cheap as possible. if I have no luck than I'm only out $50. I found the cabelas rod on sale for $45 was $60. wanted to keep it under $50 incase its not my thing. plus I'm spending way too much for bass and catfish already. LOL. 1 Quote
Big-Bass Posted March 27, 2017 Posted March 27, 2017 Well good luck with whatever you pick! Steelhead fishing is a lot of fun. Be safe on the water and catch some chrome! 1 Quote
ohihunter2014 Posted March 30, 2017 Author Posted March 30, 2017 well guys I tried canceling a cabelas medium 9ft 6-12bs line steelhead rod because I went with a dicks riversider medium 8ft6 8-20lbs line rod with diawa reel but cabelas told me I couldn't cancel it but had to return in store. the rod came last night and now I'm torn which one to keep. cabelas told me like 2.5 weeks for shipping so that's why I grabbed a riversider and wanted to cancel the cabelas. the cabelas rod seems a little lighter and more whippy than the riversider but its a bare rod so cant feel reel weight. what would you return? Quote
Big-Bass Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Your call. You have to be happy with what feels right for you! I have a great steelhead reel for you though...PM me if interested. I have a few I may sell. Quote
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