I wish to buy one fly rod. I will fish summer runs, fall silvers, and possibly winter SH. What would be the best choice of rod weight? I will buy one reel and have two spools. What would be a good choice for two lines? I'm not into ultra light gear, but I don't use broom sticks either. Let me know if there are any better sites to get this info, but there seem to be plenty of fly fishermen here Thanks, D.

Can't go wrong with the setup I use most of the time. 9FT 6 inch Powell for 8/9 weight with a reel of your choice, I use a Lamson. Then get the Rio versitip system on you are good to go !!! I used to go with extra spools etc but thats a hassel on the river. A lot of people like the fast action rods, IMX Loomis or Sage RPL's and I have one of each. I have found however that the older IM6 type rods throw sink tips a lot better than the fast rods. 8/9 can handle every fish you mentioned and you can still cast it all day.

Beware... you will eventually catch one on the bug rod which will lead to an infatuation bordering on insanity... be carefull

Look around at www.flyfishsteelhead.com. In the 'stories and articles' section as well as the 'ask Dennis' sections, you'll find some good info on fly rods, fly reels and fly lines - along with lots of other good stuff...

-Chad

I've got a 9'9" GL3 8wt. with a Teton reel and the Rio Versatip 9wt. line that I really enjoy. This setup has caught everything from shad to chinook and just about everything in between including AK sockeyes. The 9wt. line loads the rod better, and the ability to change sinktips is a definite bonus. This setup didn't put me in the poorhouse either. Total cost was around $525.

Definately recommend an 8 weight if you're going to do all that. I have a 9 foot-9 inch Fenwick Ironfeather (now discontinued) 8 wt that is an excellent winter steelhead rod. I've fished it for summer runs, but I prefer a 6 weight for them. Regarding the reel, make sure it has a powerful drag. I have an STH, which was less expensive for the drag power than most others. I suppose it might not hold up as well with time if I used it a lot. With lines, the best choice will depend on the action of your rod. I'd have a knowledgeable fly fisherman or sales person help you.

I've got a brand new St.Croix Imperial IF9078 9' 7/8wt Rod and Redington GD 7/8 reel. Never been used. Will let you have them with about 25 salmon and steelhead flys for $275.00

I would look into the St. Croix Legend series rods. They are a fairly fast rod but without the sticker shock of a Loomis or Sage. I personally have a Ross and Lamson reels and think both are great quality reels. As far as the line, you can't go wrong with the Rio versa-tip. makes it easier than two reels. I would also recommend making your own leaders out of Maxima. They provide great stiffness for turning over bigger flys and the abrassion resistance is great for the areas that we all fish. I fish with a Cameleon butt and work forward to Ultra-green.

I would look into the St. Croix Legend series rods. They are a fairly fast rod but without the sticker shock of a Loomis or Sage. I personally have a Ross and Lamson reels and think both are great quality reels. As far as the line, you can't go wrong with the Rio versa-tip. makes it easier than two reels. I would also recommend making your own leaders out of Maxima. They provide great stiffness for turning over bigger flys and the abrassion resistance is great for the areas that we all fish. I fish with a Cameleon butt and work forward to Ultra-green.

A lot of good choices given here. If the cost is not a problem then I would go with a Sage XP 9'6" 8Wt. and a Ross Gunnison. or any Islander reels.

I'd second the recommendation to checkout flyfish steelhead.com....I've learned a lot there and from a few trips with Dennis. My winter/spring sinktip setup is an 8wt St Croix Avid with Tioga reel and "yancy" 9wt shooting head. If you're planning to fish mostly summer/fall I'd recommend dropping down to a 7wt. I use a 5 wt GL3 now for surface fishing during the summer and it is totally addictive.