Help in Purchasing Rod & Reel

[Issiah]

Wondering If any of you can lend me some advice in purchasing a new fly rod & reel. I'll be using it mainly for Steelhead so I need a Good drag. I don't want to spend alot of money on the set up. I'm an Ugly Stick / 15-40$ Reel kinda guy with my usual spin cast set ups.  My biggest concern is a smooth drag. I have a couple of Fly rod / reel combos but I know a Steelhead would be way too much for them.

[Bartman44]

That's a tough one. I see you have a steelhead pic so you probably already know what they can do to an inferior fly reel. 

Having said that and if you need to keep price to a minimum, try Cabelas traditional fly rod/reel combos.

They have a 10 ft,  8 wt combo in the bargain cave right now and they have a good return policy of you don't like it. 

[knurren]

I have been happy with my Okuma SLV fly reel.  I looked at a couple Courtlands in the same price range that came close but weren't as smooth.  I paid $60 for this reel and it's probably the best adjustable drag out of the handful I tried.  It's pretty smooth, and for the money I'm probably going to get another for my 4wt set up.



I don't have any experience with steelhead, but it seems like a pretty solid piece.  I'd recommend picking one up and messing with the drag at a fly shop before buying one.  Even if you decide to order it online, it's better to hold and test things in a store so you know what you're getting.

[Issiah]

I love the smooth drag on the Okuma Spinning reels; definitely gonna look into that reel...Thanx!

[vivlamored]

okuma reel with a orvis rod.

[JDK]

I have the Okuma SLV on my 4 wt. and as knurren stated it is a very nice reel.  I can't see where the larger models won't work for steelhead.

[vivlamored]

 have you ever thought about a float rod / center pin rod thats what i've always wanted

[Issiah]

I have, just don't know a whole lot about them...

[pooley]

lots of ugly stik fly rods on ebay.

[Issiah]

didn't know they made fly rods. They are definitely a brand I trust.  Think I'm gonna go Ugly Stick / Okuma  like I do with a lot of my spin cast gear.  Thanxs Guys

[MickeyFinn]

Issiah just get the ugly stick 7/8 weight. It will be fine I have a custom made rod for steelhead, it's a 7 weight with a large arbour Orvis Rocky Mountain reel and it handles them fine.

[Issiah]

Cool; I will!   Thanks...