Fishing Line Help (summer steelhead)

I have 4 reels to fill up, and I was wondering what is your favorite # test for SS in gin clear water. Also what brand, do you use clear line?( do not like maxima for main line ) I have been using Sufix DNA. I really like the stuff, but I'm afriad the fish might see the lime green line. I used p-line last summer with mixed feelings. What are your thoughts on fluorocarbon main line ( for fixed bobber and jig). I also want to get some fluorocarbon leader (what is the best). Thanks in advanced.....Ross

Fish Hawg, I like to use 6 or 8lb. Izorline for summer steelies. It comes in clear, low vis green, and high vis green. My personal choice is the low vis green, but if you like visable lines, the high vis green should work. I have seen a ton of summer runs caught on the cowlitz with bright green line when the water was very low and clear. Try lengthening your leader a bit however if you decide to go with the high vis. Remember, use a very light drag when fishing with 6lb. line. Hope this helps!

Tight Lines!!!!!!

maxima 8 pound ultra green winter and summer

A buddy and I have been fighting over which is best for summers over the last few years between 8lb leader and 6lb leader. Both of us agreed there was no reason to use 4 because fish need to be brought in quick and not lactossed up and exhausted. We have both hit the century mark on summers each of the last few years with me using 8 and him 6. So both are pretty much equal, with a few twists...

The advantage of a thinner diamator line(6)is it allows a more natural presentation if your float fishing, meaning your bait sinks faster and your jig whisps around more. and for drift fishing your corkie will ride higher in the water with a thinner line(less weight, more boyancy)

A little bit thicker line(8lb) is nice if you need to turn a fish from going over a tailout or getting hung on a log/branch.

I spin fish 90% in the summer, so low memory main lines are a must for me. Try 10lb Trilene Big Game and 6 or 8lb Max Ug...Stay away from Izor 8 and 6. I learned the hard way. 12# izor is tough stuff, not the greatest mainline.

I know some guys who use 12lb mono in gin clear and do fairly well, so to each his own... If the fish are in fast riffley water were reaction time is fast, you could probably get away with 15# leader. 10 and 8/6 is good all around summer setup

8 lb Big game

this is just my stupid observation but in 22 years of steelheading year around in all conditions i have never once seen a leader shy steelhead take a bait or lure. If they can see the line they don't care.. steelhead have a brain the size of a peanut, trying to outthink them is a mistake...

all that said 8lb ultragreen is perfect...

I am pretty much with RA3

Year around I use the same lines and never change do to water conditions. I do however lighten up on leaders in clear water somewhat.

12 lb Andes on bait casters for drift fishing
30 lb power pro on plug rods and float rods
10 lb Izor line on spinner rods

If I am using leader in gin clear water I only go as light as 8 pound test. In winter I mainly use 10 lb test leader.

10 pound Ande Tournement on the main line and 8 pound Maxima leader material. Used with a spinning rod boondogging the Cow.

10lb hi-vis izor to a 8lb maxima ultra green leader.This works great.I've landed 25lb king's on this set up also.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Am I the last person on earth using 6lb. Maxima chamelion for leader? I do just fine with it winter and summer in low clear stuff. Mainline is 8lb. Maxima Crystal Ivory.

Chamelion for leader material has always worked well for me because it is so tough. BUT, I am fishing level winds on 1141 blanks with eggs exclusively.

Egg tossers unite!

Summer set up includes 10# big game main and 6# Ultragreen or 8# PLine flourocarbon leader.

wow: Let's of "big buck people"...

Have used:

1 Ande----Envoy, 8, 10, and 12....Use it for summer run steelhead, and salmon. In my old age, this allows me to see the line at all times.

Doesn't matter on color...believe me!!!!

2. Ande--- Regular, for leader material---Have used this for 25+ years...12, 10, 8, and 6.

Works good for me!!!! Might not catch as many fish as some, but sure catch more than most......

Summer run fishing is comming......fast...


"worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"

You'll do just fine with the DNA. It is great line. Suffix also makes great Fluorocarbon leader. Another great fluorocarbon leader is made by Airflo Sightfree. Both high quality.

I use 10# Maxima Perfection on one of my rods and 8# P-line "extra tough" on the other.... I fish on the North Umpqua all year round and do better than most .. I feel a good rod and a reel with a good drag are the most important considerations when you start using the ligher lines... Von Warner

I like to use 6 and 8 lb. max ug for leader. 10 lb. Ande for mainline because it's cheap and is pretty strong. I've never had any problems.