Lee,

You seem to have asked more question than you realize. There is no one best line for steelhead. The best, or preferred, choice varies according to where, when, and under what conditions you're fishing. With that qualifier, I'll offer my thumbnail sketch of steelheading essentials.

If I had to chose only one outfit to fish for steelhead, it would be an 8 weight rod of 9' or longer. Fully 99% of my fishing is satisfied with 3 lines. They are a floating, a 10' Hi-D sink-tip, and my home spliced 15' Hi-Speed, Hi-D sink-tip, all in wieght forward configuration. The first two lines are mostly for summer-run fishing, and the latter for winter-run, with some exceptions, depending on water conditions like: high, low; slow, fast; cool, cold.

Have fun making your selections, and good luck fishing.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.