Seems like the 7wt is overlooked a bit some companys skip the weight. I’m looking at one now and wondering what the advantages would be. I have a 4pc 6wt and an 8wt but needed a packable 8wt, I have only 2pc 8wts. Wondering if a 7wt would be closer to a 6wt? I wanted something for steelhead, smallmouth and light saltwater sinking line/shooting head fishing which the 8wts can do for me but the 6wts have trouble in the wind…anyone use a 7wt for this type of fishing? I’m looking at a 9’ Echo classic 7wt.
Thanks,
Janus
For Great Lakes Steelhead, a 10ft 7wt is probably the ideal (single handed) fly rod. I’m not sure I would bother with a 7 wt for anything other than that. I don’t have one though. I have a 9.5ft 8wt and it does salmon and steelhead just fine. I don’t throw a lot of big poppers for bass and usually use my 5wt for them. I have a 6 wt that I rarely use. I dig it out if I know I’m going for carp as I won’t cry too much if I break it.
A 7wt is also ideal for streamer fishing with a sinking line. I like throwing those big Kelly Galloup and Ray Schmidt flies.
I’m seriously looking at building one this year…but I just haven’t decided on a blank yet. Then I’m also looking at building a switch rod… so many choiches…so little money! :roll: …and now I have a camera that needs replacing. 
I’ve fished an older St Croix Avid (pre-IPC) 9’ 4pc 7wt for light salt (think flounder, reds, bluefish, schoolie stripers, even bonefish and small permit), for smallmouth and largemouth, and for Lake Erie/Lake O browns and steelhead, even salmon.
I’ve even caught a number of PNW steelhead and bull trout with the same rod. It only this summer met its demise at the fins of a big James River flathead catfish…
I’d say a 7wt is a GREAT rod to have in your quiver, esp for GL steelhead/browns and light salt. For big bass bugs I prefer it over an 8wt which tends to overpower smaller bass…but for salmon nothing short of an 8wt for me!
Marty
Janus,
I’d never discourage someone from buying another fly rod.
That being said, the ‘difference’ between what a 6 wt. can do and what a 7 wt. can do are pretty slight.
I have several sixes, one seven, and several eights. I seldom use the seven weight. It’s not as fun to catch fish with as the sixes are, and if I need more 'punch, I’m better of with the eights.
I look at it this way: If you wanted ONE rod to handle the bass, steelhead, light saltwater, then a 7 would be a decent ‘compromise’ rod. You already HAVE a 6 and an 8, though, so you got all of that pretty well covered.
So, if you need a ‘travel rod’ to handle all of these species, then either a six or seven would do it. If your ‘travel’ fishing is only for the steelhead/light salt, then get a multipiece eight.
I deal with wind by changing lines, not rods (put your 8 wt. LINE on your 6 wt. rod and you’ll be surprised at how well you can cast in wind). You’d be amazed at how well a 3 wt. rod will cast into a stiff breeze if you put a 5 wt. line on it…
Buddy
I have a Pfleuger 7wt that was given to me many years ago. I used it for most of my fishing for a few years unti 2 years ago I got a Redington 5wt. Now I only use the 7 for steelhead and heavier water. My son has a 9’ 6wt. that serves him very well for most purposes, though he is thinking of a lighter rod for brookies and panfish.
I always liked the 7, but most guys just jump right up to 8wt’s, but then… I hunted pheasant and ducks for many years when I was younger and always used my 16 ga. side by side.
Maybe that’s why I liked the 7 so well…
All kidding aside, though, a 7 is a great rod to have, and by changing lines you can add to it’s versatility. I think it would be a good choice for a travel rod, 'cause you can always have it with you, and it will do nicely in most situations for opportunitistic fishing.
…ModocDan
Thanks for the replies. I am going to think this over. I have a chance to buy either a 7wt or a 9wt. The 9 seems like it would be too much for steelhead etc. Plus with my lines and reels I can cover a 7wt but would have to buy more for a 9wt…heard a 9 is a good choice for shore saltwater fishing but for freshwater (around here) it might be a bit much unless musky or pike. I might think about it though because I have an 8wt for Great Lakes Steelhead and I like using a 6wt for river smallies…maybe I’ll consider this 9wt for times I get to the coasts…which wouldn’t be for a bit, by that time I could have a reel set up for it…the deal on the rods is too good to pass up and they will be gone soon so I appreciate everyones input.
Janus
I love my 9.5’ #7 Scott G. It is perfect for bass, steelhead, and light saltwater. I also use it for throwing larger streamers on sinking lines for trout and for night fishing with mouse patterns etc. I wish I had it on a recent hex trip as my #5 Scott G and my buddies #6 Sage left us both undergunned with huge brown trout sipping dries in the pitch dark. There is a time and place for every rod.
I’m using a Scott X2S 7wt that rocks. My backup happens to be an A2 7wt, but I’m thinking of trading up to the new Scott A3 model. From what I hear it’s lighter and a tad faster…even has a cool blue carbon fiber reelseat. Gotta go cast one first though.
Janus,
I have used a 9’6" seven wt. for steelhead for many years. I started with a six and later an eight. But it is like the porridge in the bears house. In this case grandma’s is just right.
I have caught a ton (not literally) of steelhead on a 6 wt. But it always was a struggle to keep from candy caneing it. Seems like that last lift just before the net was always a risk. I switced to an 8 and it was too heavy to cast for 8 hours. My arm would be jelly after four and if you are on a float trip, you get another four hours of a boat ride if your arm gives out.
I had an old Cabela’s 9’6" 7 wt. and I started using that. Best decision I ever made. Well, maybe not the best but it was right up there. Been using it ever since and don’t plan to change. It has a noticable advantage over the 6 (strength) and the 8 (weight). The extra 6" seems to be nice too. But I don’t use it for browns at night because of that. A nine foot tip flex 6 wt. seems to be the ticket for that.
My $.02,
Godspeed,
Bob
P.S. See my website if you like to read about PM steelies
[QUOTE=Mato Kuwapi;251221]For Great Lakes Steelhead, a 10ft 7wt is probably the ideal (single handed) fly rod.
Absolutely!!! lol. I use a 10’ 7 Z-Axis and before that an RPL in the same length. Perfect for the Erie and Ontario browns/steelhead. I think a 7wt is a good rod to have for many applications. Then again, I am kind of a gearhead. lol.
Definetely! I got a Redington RS3 10’ 7wt, and it casts like a dream. Not sure why companies would not make that weight and length.
I have a 9’ 7wt that I use for tossing big poppers and bass bugs. Never gone after steelhead but I would imagine the 7wt would be fine for that too.
For my money, there is more difference between 4 and 5 wt than there is between 6 and 7 wt.
My rod weights of choice are 3, 4, 5, and 7 wt.
I’m sure others will disagree or have different points of view. This is just how my fishing goes.
Jeff
I bought a Redingnton RS3 7wt last season. It has been a great rod for fishing streamers and big heavy flies. I love it, perfect for windy days in the drift boat.
I got a custom 7wt matrix made for me for steelhead. can’t wait to get one on it! so far got a bass and some gills on it to test it out. I also have a 8wt cabelas combo that has caught me some steel!
I have had and have several 7 weights. I think of them as my smallmouth rods. I like them for that because, if need be, I can strap on an 8 and get away with it. If I had to choose between my 7s and 8s, the 8s would go first.
my 7wt seems to cast farther than my 8wt for some reason? guess it depends on fly and leader size and the wind and what you are fishing for? I have landed penty of steel with my 8wt but can’t wait to try the new 7wt this year! will see f I notice a difference about um. I am gonna fish the same flys as I did with my 8wt so I will see if I can tell.