I am looking forward to fishing for steelhead in Lake Erie tribs, most likely Rocky River. Because of finances am limited to what I currently own, either a TFO TICRX 6 wt, 9’ or a St Croix Bob Clouser signature 8wt which is a 8’9" rod. I really don’t have a good enough 6wt reel but do have a decent one for the 8wt, but which I think would make the 6wt unbalanced. although I haven’t tried it. Will the St Croix 8wt be OK for this type of fishing? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I use a 9ft 8wt on the NY tribs for steelhead so I would think the clouser rod should be ok. Check what size the tribs are as the smaller ones you may not need an 8wt
the 6 would be just fine. I used a click and pawl drag reel for years in this area with no problem, but a decent drag and large arbor reel does make it a little easier. The 8 would be better if you are fishing larger flies or sink tips.
I either fish a 9’ 8 weight or an 11’ 6 weight for Erie and Ontario tribs. Both have landed 25+ pound salmon and many steelies. Go with what you fish with the best.
8wt
Get yourself a Medalist 1494 1/2 or 1495. You can get the 15xx with a palming rim.
I have used a 1494 1/2 for 40 years of steelhead fishing. I still use it on my cane rods. I bought it used in 1966 and it was an old reel then.
Give it a try and go out and have some fun.
fishbum
6wts are ok for steelhead but lg rods handle to fish better and you will not fight them to death, go with a 7wt or 8wt and try to get a 10’ you will enjoy it more