10-24-2008, 01:13 PM
I'm coming in in the middle of this conversation, so forgive me if I step on any toes---or if this has been covered.
First off, I'm appaled that anyone would treat a customer like that, no matter what the product line. But I've found it pretty common among western flyshop owners. Not the yelling part; but the snobbery---that they're the only ones who know anything about the sport. That newbies are to be sneered at (despite the fact they are likely to spend more money than regulars, cuz they're first kitting up).
The fact that those guys are often dead wrong just makes it ironic.
It's not confined to the west, by any means. There's a flyshop in Atlanta that will never again be darkened by my shadow. And one in Austin I could name.....
Ah, well. Rant over.
Now, to get the fight with flygodess out of the way: You're right, it's not the best choice for steelies. But a long 5/6 weight's problem would be with the casting, not with the fighting. Compared to the noodle rods of the Midwest, which use #2 and #4 class-test lines, a #6 weight flyrod is heavy tackle. It's a matter of technique, is all.
I wouldn't want to use one on the brawling steelhead streams of the PNW. Fighting the wind and currents and trying for distance casts. But I don't think I'd feel particularly handicapped through most of the Midwest and East.
But, if I had to make a choice for a single outfit for steelies it would be a nine or ten foot #9 weight loaded with a shooting head system. That would work with steelies and salmon anywhere, is ok for flatwater fishing bigger fish (i.e., musky, stripers), and could serve as an introductory outfit in the salt.
A couple of pieces of advice about equipment that might serve.
1. It's always better for a novice to buy a kit rather than individual components. A kit assures that the rod/reel/line are balanced. They're usually a better buy than assembling you own equipment. Etc. My reccomendation is that you decide the size outfit you want, and, if a kit is available, go that route.
2. Buying on-line can get you some bargains, no question. But do you really want to purchase equipment you haven't handled? A description that reads "#6 weight rod, 7 feet 2 inches" can fit a lot of designs. The tapers, physical weight, and action can be what you want. Or it can be something 180 degrees away. Although it's inconvenient, I'd make the effort to visit the fly shop further away, both to handle the equipment and get their advice.
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First off, I'm appaled that anyone would treat a customer like that, no matter what the product line. But I've found it pretty common among western flyshop owners. Not the yelling part; but the snobbery---that they're the only ones who know anything about the sport. That newbies are to be sneered at (despite the fact they are likely to spend more money than regulars, cuz they're first kitting up).
The fact that those guys are often dead wrong just makes it ironic.
It's not confined to the west, by any means. There's a flyshop in Atlanta that will never again be darkened by my shadow. And one in Austin I could name.....
Ah, well. Rant over.
Now, to get the fight with flygodess out of the way: You're right, it's not the best choice for steelies. But a long 5/6 weight's problem would be with the casting, not with the fighting. Compared to the noodle rods of the Midwest, which use #2 and #4 class-test lines, a #6 weight flyrod is heavy tackle. It's a matter of technique, is all.
I wouldn't want to use one on the brawling steelhead streams of the PNW. Fighting the wind and currents and trying for distance casts. But I don't think I'd feel particularly handicapped through most of the Midwest and East.
But, if I had to make a choice for a single outfit for steelies it would be a nine or ten foot #9 weight loaded with a shooting head system. That would work with steelies and salmon anywhere, is ok for flatwater fishing bigger fish (i.e., musky, stripers), and could serve as an introductory outfit in the salt.
A couple of pieces of advice about equipment that might serve.
1. It's always better for a novice to buy a kit rather than individual components. A kit assures that the rod/reel/line are balanced. They're usually a better buy than assembling you own equipment. Etc. My reccomendation is that you decide the size outfit you want, and, if a kit is available, go that route.
2. Buying on-line can get you some bargains, no question. But do you really want to purchase equipment you haven't handled? A description that reads "#6 weight rod, 7 feet 2 inches" can fit a lot of designs. The tapers, physical weight, and action can be what you want. Or it can be something 180 degrees away. Although it's inconvenient, I'd make the effort to visit the fly shop further away, both to handle the equipment and get their advice.
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