Dane,

I also feel a 5 wt. is too light for most steelheading situations. You might get by with it during the late season, low flow period - or for the occasional steelhead while cutthroat fishing. But most 5 wt. rods lack the "lifting" power for steelhead over about 8 pounds, and there are a lot of 10 to 12 pound and even larger summer runs out there. I like a 7 wt., and would probably use my 8 wt. while the flows are high. Early season summer run fishing is a lot like winter style - fast sinking tips and gaudy flies. As was hinted, an 8 wt. rod is an "all-round" steelhead rod.

As for investment, focus on a suitable rod and line. Any modest to good quality reel, from the Pfluger Medalist on up, will take care of 99.9% of steelheading needs. I used to take hundreds of NF steelhead on my Hardy Princess with its spring and pawl drag - no disc.

Have fun choosing your gear, and good luck fishing. Oh, and good luck and congrats on the upcomming marriage!

Sincerely,

Salmo g.