Author Topic: Echo Shadow v. Greys Streamflex for Steelhead (Read 668 times)

Robert Shearer · « **on:** July 18, 2011, 12:08:39 AM »

I've read a few posts here and elsewhere about people successfully using the 11' 4wt Shadow for steelhead. I was wondering if anyone would care to share their experiences or thoughts about how the 11' 4wt Streamflex would fare if used for steelhead.

Chris Michels · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2011, 10:21:53 AM »

Anyone who intentionally uses a 4wt for steelhead is a dick. No matter the rod maker....

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2011, 10:47:21 AM »

Personally I would not go any lower than a 5wt. For the most part a 6wt or a 7wt is standard equipment. Yeah you could use a 4wt but you really are pushing the rod beyond is limits evertime you hook up. You could use it but you are going to get beat up pretty bad when you try to control a nice size steelhead with a 4wt.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2011, 10:53:43 AM »

I generally agree. No reason to go too light on the Steel. However, it really depends on the average size of the fish and the actual fighting power of the rod. The "3wt" 10.5ft Shadow has a bottom section more akin to a 5wt. Not sure on the Streamflex.

Dave Wiese · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2011, 08:58:14 AM »

Chris, how much have you fished the Shadow 11' 4wt for steelhead?

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2011, 10:03:56 AM »

The 11' 4wt might be ok that thing actually fishes more like a 6wt with a soft tip.

Chris Michels · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2011, 10:19:13 AM »

I've fished the 11' 4wt echo for trout......Like I said, I would never take a 4 wt to target steelhead. I use a 10' 7wt TNT. The 11' 4wt streamflex is way too light for steelhead in my opinion. The Echo is definitely more stiff. Large fish could be landed with either rod, no doubt. But at what cost to the fish....

Steve Sawyer · « **Reply #7 on:** December 23, 2011, 07:40:46 PM »

Quote from: Chris Michels on July 18, 2011, 10:21:53 AM

Anyone who intentionally uses a 4wt for steelhead is a dick. No matter the rod maker....

Haha...this maybe one of the best posts I've seen on here. I hate when guys show up with underweight equipment and then try to control a 10 lb. steelhead amongst 10 other anglers using a buggy whip of a rod.