Help with rod and reel.

[Ionian]

Hey guys, I am new to fly fishing and I need some help. I live in the midwest, but I also own a home in Greece. I have been playing with fly fishing for about 4 years now. Here is my dilema. I want to perchase a rod that I can use in Greece and the midwest both. I have narrowed my choice to a St. Croix Ultra in either 7 or 8 weight. I will be using it for steelhead in the midwest and for fish of similar size or smaller in the Ionian sea close to shore. The reel will be either a St. Croix 7/8 or a Orvis Mach IV. Please help. Price needs to be close to these products if you recomend something else. I may use it in Florida for some flats fishing also. :confused:

[diannett]

I'm not too familiar with steelhead, but i'd think for a combo of salt and steelhead, I'd vote for an 8wt. Just this year i bought an 8wt, to add to my 10wt, that i used for bonefishing in Abacos. I think with a 7 you might find yourself outgunned at times in the salt.

I found the Cabelas combo deal on TFO TiCrX rods, with their SR reel to be a fantastic deal for the price. $350, including line, which was a bargain. I'm happy with the 8wt I got from them.

Hope it helps.
Dave

[Ionian]

Thanks Dave. I am leaning towards the 8 weight Ultra and the Orvis Mach IV even though I heard Orvis had problems with these reels when they were first introduced. Does anyone know if they have improved their Mach reels?

[Ray]

-8-weight St. Croix (I have the 10 and love it)
-Mach IV (I know a couple who have the Orvis reel and really like it)

I think you'll be very happy with this setup.