Streamer Fishing: The Gear

Before we get started i’d like to point out that this is how I personally rig my gear for how i like to fish and the flys i’m throwing. This is only a basic rundown. For any questions feel free to email me.

Ok, lets jump in starting with…

The REEL: I just use a 6/7wt or 7/8wt reel in most cases. I prefer something smaller if I can just to save on weight. You will be fine with a $35-$50 reel to start out with as long as you don’t use it in saltwater. Don’t worry about spending a lot of money to start out with. If your fishing for big fish in big water I would use a large arbor reel but on smaller rivers and streams you can keep it light.

The ROD: I run 7wt-9wt rods depending on the size of the fly. A 7wt rod in my opinion is one of the best options for bass and gar fishing on our local waterways. For streamers your going to want to have a rod with a bit stiffer tip and a medium backbone. The “jerk strip” is one of the main retrieves I use. It requires a stiffer rod tip to help deliver action to the fly. The ECHO Steamer X is a great option. I use the ECHO BOOST 7wt. It’s a great rod for a decent price point.

The LINE:

I run “Scientific Anglers III Full Sink”. Intermediate sink is the most universal sink line and is a great alternative to full sink. It’s also a great option if your new to streamer fishing. Sink-tip line is also another great option especially if your wade fishing a lot.

The LEADER : I like to keep my leader between 3’-5’, and I use a nail knot to connect leader to the fly line. I always use fluro when making my leaders then i’ll run 1’ of 30lb down to a micro swivel. After that I attach 1’-2.5’ of 20lb down to my tippet which will be between 12lb-16lbs. Your butt section will be heavier or lighter depending on the thickness or your fly line. This leader will also vary depending on water depth, flow rate, water clarity, and the fly itself.

The FLY:

Ill get more into the fly, retrieves, and other specifics in another chapter, but for now ill keep this short and sweet. Even with the sinking line im still only fishing the top 24” of the water relative to the surface. That, in most cases is the “strike zone”. Especially in water that is 4”-6” deep. That’s a important factor when it comes to fly choice because i’m using the fly line to get the fly down, not weight. I fish a lot of unweighted fly’s in bait fish patterns so this gives you the ability to fish suspending fly’s at a more controlled depth and speed. Depending on the water body and type of line you are fishing, leaders and fly weights will be need to be adjusted to fit the situation.