Thinking about getting a longer rod, 13+ feet for winter steelhead for NW Oregon and SW Washington bigger rivers. Skagit heads, 10/12 foot tips, I usually throw a Hohbo or a MOAL. Should it be an 8wt?
Damn. No way with my skill can I get the flies I like or the tips I use out there w/ a 450. Skill (or lack thereof in my case) is probably a factor as well.I cast a 450 gr Skagit head on my 7 wt CND Solstice, 13' 4" and have never felt a need for anything heavier. I toss winter flies that are about 4" long, but not as heavy as rabbit strip MOALs.
Some casters prefer a 500 gr head on the Solstice. When I was learning to cast I liked heavier lines than rods were rated for so that I could better feel the load. As I improved I no longer needed that crutch. I don't use super heavy tips either. Mostly 8 wt RIO 15' type III and VI, or other tips I happened upon. Presently have that line loaded with about 9' of T-II that started out as 12'.Damn. No way with my skill can I get the flies I like or the tips I use out there w/ a 450. Skill (or lack thereof in my case) is probably a factor as well.
I can't speak for TH rods, since I'm still in the dark ages of SH rod preference for all of my steelhead work, but this, above ^^^^@DerekWhipple
If you had to pick two heads I would go with a Airflo Scout and a OPST Groove or SA Skagit Spey Lite Intermediate. The intermediate really helps cut through chop at high water in those prime riffly runs.
good choice i use a 7134 however covet a 8126 or 8136 $$$$ is the only resistanceI ended up getting an 8wt Full Spey. It's taken a little getting used to since my other rods are 12 feet or shorter, but its much easier to huck big uglies way out there.
huh??8 wt. for winter....stick a pig, you'll find out why. And never know when a nook' might surprise the crap out of you