Rod Specs for tight line nymphing – steelhead

[Aaron Christensen]

I am going to concentrate on becoming a better tight-line nymph fisherman this year, without indicators. Had the epiphany when I finally took the bobber off on a steelhead trip and quickly (finally) got a hook up. Hoping to actually catch fish this next season.

I have found a small number of rods and blanks to choose from in the 10 ft 7 wt category. That’s the direction I am leaning but I would welcome suggestions for something else. Since a friend offered to build a rod for me, I am leaning slightly toward a custom rod.

What about these carbon fiber handles? Does that do anything to improve sensitivity for feeling subtle strikes? Too slippery? Any other suggestions on the ideal specs for nymphing Erie steelhead?

Thanks, Aaron

[Alan Corbin]

Length and weight for the rod sounds fine. You could go up if you think you may get into any Kings in the runs.
Personally I dont like he look of the carbon fiber grips but I make grips from birch bark, pine bark and some wood as well as various cork. The more dense the material in contact with the rod the more you will feel through the rod. That said. you should also feel the take with your line finger. I finish grips and will polish them into a glossy finish and they are not silppery at all even when wet.
You can also use a switch rod for this type of fishing. I would use a fast tip rod blank to build it. I built a 10′ 6 wt switch and brought it to AK and also use it in NY for steelies. I will be using it this spring for stripers on the cape, most likelt in the Cheeky tournament.
Good luck in you choices.

[Alan Corbin]

Length and weight for the rod sounds fine. You could go up if you think you may get into any Kings in the runs.
Personally I dont like he look of the carbon fiber grips but I make grips from birch bark, pine bark and some wood as well as various cork. The more dense the material in contact with the rod the more you will feel through the rod. That said. you should also feel the take with your line finger. I finish grips and will polish them into a glossy finish and they are not silppery at all even when wet.
You can also use a switch rod for this type of fishing. I would use a fast tip rod blank to build it. I built a 10′ 6 wt switch and brought it to AK and also use it in NY for steelies. I will be using it this spring for stripers on the cape, most likely in the Cheeky tournament.
Good luck in you choices.

[Phil Brna]

I use a 10 foot 7 wt Sage one for this. It works great.

[toddarnold]

I built a 9″6″ 7wt rod using a XEN blank and a carbon fiber grip. I built the rod to take on a steelhead trip and now it is my trout streamer rod. I love the rod and really like the carbon fiber grip. I am hard on cork handles for some reason so wanted to try the carbon fiber. It is not slippery at all.

[Alan Corbin]

that is why I went to bark, my favorite 5 wt.

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