Budget minded steelhead setup

[Bobert540]

Well I hit salmon river for the first time after many years of wanting to go. I am hooked and would like to be setup a little better as the 7/8 9' rod wore me out from casting for 3 days straight. I had the chance to try a switch Rod, redington chrome 8 weight and it casted like a dream. Not to mention how light it was. I struggled to get the distance with the 9' as I was in some tighter spots that limited my
Roll cast. Granted I am by no means a great caster but would like a longer Rod to cover more water i.e. Longer drifts.

I would like to do an 8wt w/large arbor reel. Rod length >10'.

I know tfo, redington and echo have great options but wanted to
Hear some personal opinions. Thanks in advance!

 

[dano]

Just stick to that Redington you seemed to like. Lately, they've been putting out some really nice casting rods.

 

[Bobert540]

I enjoyed that redington but the $400 price tag for just the Rod is a little too salty for me at this time.

 

[camdogrs]

Check Sierra Trading Co. I think they had some prospectors up there for ~250. If you sign up for their emails you can get promo codes for like an extra 25% off.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/redington-prospector-spey-fishing-rod-with-tube-4-piece~p~9713v/?filterString=fishing-rods~d~190%2F&colorFamily=99

 

[CRB]

Just wait till spring The Great lakes shos should have season close out sales due to the poor fishing.

 

[dano]

Redington Dually is being closed out at about 250
go with the 6 or 7 for steelhead paired with a Rio Chucker

 

[Bobert540]

Well I ended up going with a redington prospector 7wt paired with a redington behemoth reel lined with rio switch. Hope to get the line wet next week. I appreciate the input!

 

[PennKev]

Bobert540 wrote:
I would like to do an 8wt w/large arbor reel. Rod length >10'.

You need to decide if you want (and have a practical need) for a switch rod or not. If you are not really into the swinging flies scene, stick with a 10ft rod in a conventional configuration if you just want longer rod.