grizwalsh

[grizwalsh]

Hi---fairly new to fly fishing and I would like to get just one outfit right now--Can someone tell me the disadvantages of using an 8 weight rod on smaller fish--I realize that I probably should have a 5-6 but a friend of mine likes to go for steelhead sometimes and wants me to come along.   Are the problems in using  a heavier weight rod to catch smaller fish unsurmountable?   Thanks in advance

[bcubed]

The only issue is lack of 'fun'. Most fish aren't going to be able to fight you very hard if you're using an 8 weight, to the point that you can skip them back to you. Guess at the same point it makes you a hell of a lot quicker at catch and release. Definitely not an obstacle persay.. Also harder on the arms for long days, and aren't going to present dries half as delicately or accurately at close range...

with that, if you're local, and are only going to go steelheading once or twice a year, you'll probably be pretty sick of your 8 in short order on trout..

[Brokentippet2]

Not sure what your budget is but I'd take a look around for some pre owned gear. Might be able to set up both rods for less than you thought. Steelheading is awesome but chances are most of your fishing will be done locally (I'm assuming) and I think you'll find an 8wt to big (although it will work). Personally I would get a rod to serve my purpose where I'd be doing the majority of my fishing and then wait for the right deal(s) to come along to peice together a steelhead set up (or 2). I always bring a back up rod......I've needed it on more than one occasion lol

[Dangus]

Big heavy rod with lighter tippet will bust you off easy.  Only going to be a potential problem if you go under size 16 and can’t get 4x through the eye. 

[monger]

You could get by with a 7wt for Steelhead....more fun for trout

[grizwalsh]

Thanks for the info guys----I guess I should follow my partner's advice and "Don't be so cheap"