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So i'm just picking your guys brains if you don't mind. Being new to fly fishing and having only caught "smaller" fish such as Bass and Trout, I know my 6wt rod isn't ideal for steelhead, so i'm wondering if you guys having any economical 0-200$ preferably combos so rod/reel/line suggestions as to what to pick up so i can play with a giant steely and not have to let it run for 6 days before actually having a chance at catching it
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Both of my 8wt set ups are a little on the spendy side of 200. I suggest looking at reddington. They sale an 8wt setup ready to fish. Loaded with rio line products and comes with a rod case. Right around 200 I think. I've never fished them but I know reddington makes great entry level fly gear. I'm using a Winston 9ft 8wt and a temple fork 9 ft 8wt both setup with a Ross reel. They are not sage but I love the way both fish.
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Check out Allen Fly Fishing. I think 8 weight too.
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In my experience, a 6 weight is the perfect tool for idaho steelhead! the thing you have to remember is that the strength of the tippet that you use, not the line designation of the rod, determines how much pressure you can put on the fish. I use a 6 weight and usually 8 or 10lb maxima (which is 1x and 0x, respectively). If you plan on using line heavier than this (which isnt normally necessary, unless you are fishing very quick water for B runs), you would be best to go up to a 7 or an 8 weight. the advantage of using your six weight is that you wont be as fatigued from high sticking all day. even casting sinktips, the 6 weight does fine. one thing that i would recommend to everyone is to really put your tippet and gear to the test, so you know what it is capable of. when you hook a big sucker or something, try to horse it in... you will be amazed at how much pressure you can get away with. I have caught hundreds of steelhead with the 6 weight, up to 36", and it never takes more than 5-10 minutes to land them, unless they are in really swift water.
also, the only rod i have ever broken while fighting a steelhead was an 8 weight. go figure.
if you want a new rod and reel for under $200 though, tfo is the way to go!
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I was fishing near stanly with my 6 weight and had my ass handed to me by what I'm guessing was a B-run. I only got one look at it, and it was a hefty fish. I just couldn't turn it's head with my st crouix 6. I ran home with my tail between my legs and bought the only 8 weight combo I could afford. It was an okuma bass rod. Still have it, still fish it. Not ideal, but works ok on small water.
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] hope you guys all have happy hollidays