new to fly fishing

[sutton17]

i am new to fly fishing i got a 6wt fly rod a fewyears ago and was wondering if this is to light for steelhead if it is not what do i need in the way of leaders and such. i have flys that a buddy gave me i just need to know what to connect the fly line to the fly

[SAGA]

On average most would say a 6 wt is too light, (its a low water steelhead rod in my estimation at best) it can be done especially a rod with entry level series graphite. Some will say its just fine, there will be fewer of those opinions. You do run the risk of blowing up a rod. Your question is more than likly already answered if you were to scroll down this page and a few preceding ones. You will need to learn a few good knots to attach a leaders to flyline. You want leader that are 8# test or 6# test. ( Test is different from "X" i.e . 6X or 8X, ..6 or 8 lb test will more likly be from 3X to 5X depending on brand ) Maybe some earless shot, and weighted flies if you intend on using floating fly line. I would suggest some sink tip fly line, or full sinking depending on the water depth your fishing. A reeel with a DECENT drag is also a good thing., although like those who might recommend a 6wt for steelhead it can be done. every fish will go in the reel, as opposed to striping them in, so a reel with a drag that won't burn up is preferable.

[shotgunner]

Just rig it up and go. Whats the worst that can happen? Like Saga mentioned, rod grenades.

Six weights cover the widest spectrum of fly rod actions lengths and power. One extreme to the other. A GOOD six and some fish handling skills will whip big fish with ease. Better on small - medium sz tribs, larger ones @ low water. Big river with high water can be a handicap.

For line leader connection a correctly installed braided loop is hard to beat. Learn to tie a couple different loop knots and your in.

Any questions fire away, someone will help out.

Good Luck... SG

[crysoleucas]

I fish about half the time with a six weight now. Mostly in low water or smaller streams. I really like the extra sensitivity when it is needed and the ability of the rod to protect light tippet (4 lb) compare to my eight weight. The rod I use is the a 10ft echo with a orvis battenkill large arbor. Took some advice from john nagy a went with a triangle taper line. Great for roll casting shot and indicator or swinging small buggers and streamers (10-12's)! You should be able to get into fish with your set-up, but if you find you have trouble landing the fish, get a larger weight rod. Good luck!

[SAGA]

I don't think a rods sensitivity has a direct collelation to a rods indicated line weight. There are far to many other factors that go into a a rod which ultimately produces a heightening of sensitivity. If one were to extrapolate upon the previously presented theroy, (a 6wt. is more sensitive than an 8wt.) the most sensitive rod in any given fly rod series would be the lightest blank offered. Now I would also contend that for any given fly rod series, there will be a certain rod weight that best expresses a specific trait, in this instance sensitivity, for the given design and component make up of the rod series.

[speyday]

If you fish the erie tribs, a 6 wt will make everything a lot more fun and sporting!

But stay away from MI tribs, and Lake Ontario tribs; you will get torn a new one. especially this time of year.

[SAGA]

Some Purests might say that taking longer to land a fish SPORTINGLY before releasing it may not be all that sporting due to the higher attriton rate on the fish. This is not to say one should swing the other way to an extreme (i.e. using a 9wt.) The previous poster is right, it is condition specific, but I would err on the side of more a bit more backbone as opposed to a using equpiment that may ultimatly hurt the fish you intend to release