I'm with you Hoh Humm. Straight 15 lb Maxima Camelian works just fine for Steelhead. Too many knots, swivels, and different line types can ruin a good day of fishing!
Setting the hook is really only needed when the steelhead picks up the plug and runs toward the boat. Otherwise they hook themselves. By setting the hook hard you are only tearing a bigger hole in their mouth, as well as increasing the chance of breaking your line.
Neal
Neal