[talkse1]

Have been away from fishing since the early 70's and just recently am able to get back into it. Limited budget (retiree) but do want to get back to some steelheading. Like anything else, gear and techniques for these babies has changed a lot. So, keeping in mind a retiree's income, what would be the basic advice for 8.5 ft rod/ casting reel and a good basic assortment of jigs/spoons/drift bobbers/etc for fishing from river/creek banks. I live on the Kitsap Peninsula so would be looking @ OlyPen streams and could use recommendations for that area. I do know my way to SportCo in Fife!! Tup:

 

[sr5mike]

The berkly buzz ramsey rods are a great value around 54.00 and go down to 39.00 on sale. That is a great rod for the money. On ebay you can get a used ABU 5000 for around 30.00 . Now with a used ABU you will need drag washers they are 5.00 and easy to do. that will give you a good set up.

 

[Hunter P]

Berkely Air IM-7 8'6" rated 6-12
Abu Garcia 5500 C3.

You should be able to do rod/reel for under $150 pretty easily. The rod can be had for about $50,and the reel at about $75

If you want to seriously fish jigs I'd do a longer rod,at least 9'6". You can do the same Berkely rod in a longer length.

 

[sr5mike]

Berkely Air IM-7 8'6" rated 6-12
Abu Garcia 5500 C3.

You should be able to do rod/reel for under $150 pretty easily. The rod can be had for about $50,and the reel at about $75

If you want to seriously fish jigs I'd do a longer rod,at least 9'6". You can do the same Berkely rod in a longer length.

He is old school back in the day (70's) 8'6'' was a long rod for steelhead. I use a 9' and love it i dont want a longer one. I have enough trouble getting that to the river.

 

[powder]

Berkely Air IM-7 8'6" rated 6-12
Abu Garcia 5500 C3.

You should be able to do rod/reel for under $150 pretty easily. The rod can be had for about $50,and the reel at about $75

If you want to seriously fish jigs I'd do a longer rod,at least 9'6". You can do the same Berkely rod in a longer length.

He is old school back in the day (70's) 8'6'' was a long rod for steelhead. I use a 9' and love it i dont want a longer one. I have enough trouble getting that to the river.

I hear that. Some times i hate my 10 footer but i catch fish with it so i can't complain... i catch salmon anyways... damn elusive steelhead.

 

[sr5mike]

powder I am with you! I have to work this weekend but next weekend I am going to put one on the bank.
Unless it is a nat. then it will stay in the water.

 

[irishrogue]

I will also recommend the Buzz Ramsey/Berkley rod -- though I like the 9'6" medium casting rod specifically. Good general purpose rod, and a steal at $49 when Joes puts them on sale).

Put your favorite baitcaster (maybe hit EBAY for a curado 200 series?) and you've got a super setup at $150 all in.

 

[powder]

powder I am with you! I have to work this weekend but next weekend I am going to put one on the bank.
Unless it is a nat. then it will stay in the water.

I'm hoping monday or tuesday i'll be doing the same!

 

[zvic733]

like srmike5 said. Great rod and good reel. I have upgraded to a different reel reel a couple of times, but have several of the rods. Can't find a reason to spend more $$$ on a rod. If you go with that reel, definitely get the upgraded drag washers though.

 

[sr5mike]

like srmike5 said. Great rod and good reel. I have upgraded to a different reel reel a couple of times, but have several of the rods. Can't find a reason to spend more $$$ on a rod. If you go with that reel, definitely get the upgraded drag washers though.

Dollar for dollar you can't beat the old ABU's tough as a brick and easy to get parts for. The old 5000/5500 have prob. put more steelhead on the bank then any other reel you cant argue with success.

 

[RT1]

Congrats for getting back into steelhead fishing, talkes1. It sure is both a fun and healthy lifestyle hobby!

You mentioned wanting advice on tackle; specifically, jigs/spoons/drift-bobbers/etc., and gear such as rods and reels. Guys are already posting about those items so I'd like to add my 2 cents worth of help by suggesting that you use steelhead plugs from appropriate places from the bank and also shallow water stands. MOST IMPORTANT is to be certain the edge of the bank is stable and not slippery, and waded to positions out in the shallow water above the fish holding water involves safe river bottom. AND wear a good PFD life vest with tackle pockets, and use a good wooden wading cane (you can put them into your wading belt while fishing)!

For bank fishing, I like to start with those other items first. It's challenging and fun learning the 'bite feel' and setting the hook at the right moment such that the fish stays hooked. If the fish are definitely there but lethargic and/or off the bite, then I'll often times follow those things with plugs. From those safe places mentioned above, simply find a good piece of land out-cropping or safely waded to shallow water, both near the upper end to position above good steelhead holding water. If the current is moving at a common winter river level rate you can slowly back the the plug down thru a hole or slot with your reel. If the water is low and clear try hovering the plug in good holding pockets, and occasionally reel back upstream a bit to increase action of the plug when needed near a holding spot. You can also cast from any proper place from the bank, across and downstream, and let the plug swing across the current. Keep the rod tip low, unless the plug starts to dredge the bottom where you likely will need to raise it high momentarity thru a short stretch.

There are too many good plugs and patterns to put here, so I'll start a 'favorite plug' thread (these sites have those valuable posts every winter steelhead season). Good luck out there.

......................................................................

Steve Hanson
http://www.reeltruthfishing.com ( book info and fish pics )