fly rod or not

[lookin for the gills]

I am gonna try for some steely's this summer and was wondering if I dont have a fly rod will it matter and what kind of bait is good. Actually I dont even know what to rig up. ANything helps. THanks you guys are great

[GeeEmm]

Fly gear is certainly not necessary to fish steelhead. There are plenty of opportunities and places to fish them with spinning gear. Having fished them for many years both casting, drifting and on fly gear, I can attest to fly gear being the most difficult to master. However, it is also the most satisfying for me personally. Equipment wise, you will also spend more money on fly gear than you will on a decent drift rod and reel to match. I'm certainly not an expert, but I'd be happy to answer any other questions. Also, check Baldwin Bait and Tackle's website www.fishbaldwin.com (http://www.fishbaldwin.com) . They are in my opinion, one of the best in the business. The guys there also run a first rate guided trip. They are very patient and would be a wise investment. Good Luck!!

[dinoday]

I have used fly rod and spinning for steelhead and either will work fine.I usually use flys for catching them, but what kind of rod it's on depends on my mood, the river and the crowd. Anytime fishing for steelhead or salmon is a good time as far as I'm concerned!I would agree it's a lot cheaper to get started with spinning tackle(and easier!) After a while you may want to try with a fly rod. If you want to start with a fly rod I would use a guide as well. It's money well spent to get advice and pointers you can't get on a web site. Good Luck!

[lookin for the gills]

Thanks, so i take it when you say "spinners" you mean spinner baits. I wanna try to catch on my own it would be more satisfying. Thanks

[GeeEmm]

In my post, I was referring to spinning gear as in the type of rod and reel. A spinning reel is sometimes referred to as an "open-faced" reel. The reel hangs suspended below the rod/reelseat. As far as spinnerbaits for steelhead, I have never fished a safety-pin type spinnerbait for them. I have done fair with inline spinners like Blue Fox, Mepps, Rooster-Tail, etc.... Good Luck!!