You can an easy limit within 200 yards of Trapper creek ramp. Not many boats during the week but do not go out in the dark unless you have good lights to make yourself visible. You may still get yelled at!
Don't ask me how know...........
I have had all of them and the only I have kept are 3 of the tatulas and 1 Lexa.
The STX was smoothest reel I have ever owned but just did not cast well and the gearbox did not fit into rod holder when asked to do koke duty.
Cannot beat the Tatula for the $ and dont waste $ on the R.
Much easier by hand. Steelhead makes the perfect bait! Throw out a steak every 100' or so and come back in 10 minutes and they have come out of nowhere.
Of all the trips I have done on the Umpqua I have yet to see a stripper. Not really my thing anyhow. Kinda disgusting when there are certainly thousands of quality fish in the water.
Took me a few tries but I definitely found a keeper.
No question for me- MONO, braid has no stretch and not the same thrill when fighting larger fish.
Tying uni to uni in freezing or windy conditions is a B(*%$ and I cannot imagine fishing brushy rivers with a leader and barrel swivel where you cannot reel your hardware up to within a few inches...
FYI- Your local Bi Mart has access to many rods/reels if you are real nice and ask to see their catalog behind the counter......
They stock mostly cheapo stuff that sells but can order some much higher quality gear and their price is fantastic.