rod weight for great lakes (Erie) steelies

[chromer11]

What is the best weight rod to use for Erie trib steelies... I have read that NOTHING less than an 8 weight, but seen articles where anglers have used 6 weights..? A little guidence please.

[ninja115]

6,7,or 8 in the 9' to 10' range should do fine. I've seen them all used. but would stay in the 7-8 range. The higher the number, the quicker you should be able to land a fish.

I have a 9' old fiberglass 8wt. and an 8.5' IM6 8wt. both fenwick
I am torn between the two because I like the fiberglass for it's sensitivity and the graphite for its power.

Hope this helps!

My next rod will be a 10' 7wt. ..........I think

[yellerdawg]

7 or 8 wt. would be fine . If your combat fishing on a crowded river go with the 8 wt. you will be able to wear them down a little quicker.

[Steely19]

Personally for me, the Erie steelies tend to be smaller on average than Ontario or Michigan steelies, so I usually use a 6 or 7 weight rod there. I am about to get a new 6 weight (with fighting butt) 10' Highliner rob from Bass pro that I am eager to try for Steelies.

[BWANA-J]

I've been wading Steelhead streams for longer than I care to admit to and over the years have found that the most popular rod used is a 10 ft 7 wgt. I use an Orvis Clearwater 10ft Midflex 8, 7wgt and it has served me well for many years. Its reasonably priced and comes with a 25 year no questions asked warranty, if it breaks for any reason sent it back with $25 and you'll get a new rod. I'd recommend it highly to anyone lookin for a new rod.

[tpcollins]

I've seen them all used. but would stay in the 7-8 range. The higher the number, the quicker you should be able to land a fish.

I would think it depends on where you're fishing and if you're going to keep it or release it. If you're keeping it, you can play all day with a 6wt. If you plan to release it and are fishing strong currents like the Big Man, I would think you'd need an 8wt in order to quickly land the fish and have it survive upon release. If you wear the fish out and release it, chances of survival may not be so good.

[Steel Drifter]

I have been fishing a 10' 7 weight Winston rod for Indiana trib. steelhead for the last 10 years. For me, the 7 weight is the best compromise between power, fish fighting ability and weight. Alot depends on the individual skill level at fighting and landing a fish. I've seen guys fishing 6 weight rods land 10-12 lb. fish in heavy current quickly with minimal stress to the fish. On the flip side, I've seen other people work a fish with an 8 and 9 weight rod seemingly forever because they did not know how to use the rod to their advantage against the fish.

[buckeye17]

You can get away with a 6 weight fishing some of the unmentionable ditches......if you are going to fish any of the bigger streams I would suggest at least a 7.....I personally won't fish anything less than an 8 weight on the Grand. The erie fish may be smaller on average, but when you tie into that big one, you will wish your 7 was an 8 . I also agree with the comments above about releasing fish. If you intend to take a pic and let them go, use a heavier rod.

[pattony]

hey bud, I agree 7-8 wt, I prefer a 10ft rod gives you a little reach !