Northwest Fishing Reports

whats the difference between a steelhead rod and a rod that you'd use for coho? theyre basically in the same size range right?

I use the same rods - for me it's more about matching the rod with the type of fishing you are doing.

I use the same rod for both most of the time, 8'6" Med Spin rod, If I am fishing under a float. Sometimes when fighting a large silver it does feel a little under powered. If I am twitching jigs or throwing hardware I step up to a Med Heavy rod and will usually pick up a casting reel. If you are fishing in a crowded area, or you are intending on realeasing fish pick up a heavy rod so you can get that fish to the bank in a timely matter.

i use the same rod for both. if anything, maybe a slightly more sensitive rod for the steelheads.

One and the same for me. Many recommend rods with heavier backbone for salmon over Steelhead, but I went with a middle of the road medium action rod and it works well for both.

I just picked up a Fenwick HMX 9'6" medium heavy spinning rod. Loving it! Just gotta get used to what the hits feel like and then you're nailing them.

Was gonna go with the Clarus as my first choice, but Sportco was sold out of the spinning version...so I went with the Fenwick as my second choice. I'm actually really happy with it so far.

I use most of my Steelhead rods for coho as well, which are mostly moderate action (for spinners, spoons, floats, etc.). The only exception is that I like a shorter and slightly stiffer rod for twitching jigs for coho. I like to have some more backbone for pulling coho out of the timber and other snaggy areas.

Scott

thanks guys, great info, especially with the advice on a little more backbone for coho