[Crotalus]

Currently I use an 8'-6" 5 wt St Croix Imperial for trout fishing. I am thinking of expanding my horizons and adding a new rod. What would be the best weight/length for a combo steelhead/bass rod?

I live near the Susqehanna River in Harrisburg and want to do some smallmouth fishing the summer, i would also like to get to Erie for steelhead sometime. Two rods at this time is not feasible so i am hoping to get one rod to cover both species.

Would an 8 wt do the trick?



Thanks

[steeldrifter]

8wt would "work" but the idea rod for a combo Erie steelhead/bass rod would be more like a 9' 7WT moderate action rod IMO.

[fishyfranky]

I'd opt for a 9'6" 7wt if you're going to do more nymphing than swinging. I'm really luvin my 10' 7wt for steelhead but it may be too long for lots of overhand fly casting.

[sandflyx]

I would go for the 9' 8wt. as you will probaly get on the susky more than up to erie. With the 8 you could fish the flats for stripers too. An 8wt. would be more versitile for you...I use an 8wt. for shad,sm. bass, striper and steelhead..I have a rocky mtn. large arbor reel with 4 extra spools with differant lines for the species and conditions that goes with the rod....

[fcflyguy]

I would check out TFO rods a7WEIGHT 9foot or 9foot6 would be good and you cant beet the price on them 100 to 150 lifetime warranty. fcflyguy

[Joe Hard]

[appalachian angler (tn.)]

I think anything bigger than a 6wt is overkill for smallies (id rather double haul big flies than carry a big log). For steel I honestly don't have the experience but from all I hear is 7wt minimum. A 9' 7wt is probably your best bet...not too fast an action though, need some shock absorbtion! just my 2cts.

A.A.

[DFix]

No more than a 9' 7wt maximum, because anything over a six is overkill for smallies, I think. If you don't at least try the Temple Fork line, the TiCrX Series, you are short-changing yourself in your shopping.

[Mr. Jingles]

I also reccomend TFO rods. I like the way it feels, nice and light, and at a good price too.

Mr Jingles

[lthrnk]

I also think you would be better off with a 7wt. You are now fishing a 5wt and any time you move up or down in size the best rule of thumb is jump 2 sizes. You can fish a lot of water with a 7wt rod especially if you pair it up with a good smooth drag reel, even get into the salt with it. IMHO

[OSD]

I have a 9 1/2 foot 7 weight 2 piece Rain forest blank that dosn't have a owner yet.
would you like to try your hand at building a Fly rod?
If so come and see us in the Rod building section of this web site.

OSD.

[conehead]

Crotalus,

I'm with you, I live right around the bend on Orrs Bridge road. I picked up a Cabelas stowaway 7 piece (they also make a 5 pc), 9' 8 wt for the Susky and samon fishing in NY. Cost about $140

I have used my St Croix 6 wt for smallmouth, but it does not cast the big heavy flies as well. Remember big flies, big Smallmouth. With the 15 inch keeper size at Harrisburg, most of the smallmouth you will be casting to and cathcing will be in the 15 -20 inch range. My biggest was 21 1/2 and I was thrilled to have an 8 wt with that river current.

Any good wide arbor reel will do the job. (sorry, Im a cheap reel guy)

The stowaway 7pc is a great rod and casts as well as my $300 6wt.

Conehead
You gotta love casting conehead anything on the Susky

[Smuggler]

Hi guys,
A whisper from an Aussie, over here a 9' 6/7 is usually the normal all rounder.
But I am a tragic tackle junky. I now have 2, 4, 6, 6/7, 7 and 8/9 salt.
But a 6wt or 7wt 9' is the go in as many pieces you dare to buy.
Cheers
"Smuggler"

[wilcara]

If you grab a 9' #7 weight you are two sizes up from what you already have, a #6 is too close to a #5 to be worthwhile. Later you could invest in a #9 if you get the urge to do some salty work or just plain need a heavier lake rod.

TFO aren't bad but remember you live in USA (I think) and you guys make some pretty decent rods there, so check some of them out too. Like all things, it's budget related. Put most of the cash into a rod and buy a cheap reel if you must. Get the best rod you can afford, it's the tool that does the work after all.

If you fish from tubes or pontoons, another #7 in a longer version like a ten footer would be a handy addition, as you could utilise the same reel/line combination.

Good luck!