The float fishing steelheader has an arsenal very different from other steelheaders. Float rods are between ten and fourteen feet long. Reels are usually center-pin, knuckle busters, but a large minority of float fishing steelheaders anglers use levelwind reels. Terminal gear consists of a float held above a series of small split shot, or a slinky, with a swivel and leader below. The most important part of the float fisherman's arsenal is the rod.
Long rods are essential.
A rod ten feet long or longer is necessary will cast terminal gear as much as ten feet in length. Another reason for long rods is the need to keep your line off the water to assure a solid hook set. This chore is easy with a long rod, impossible with a short one. Tackle manufacturers hadn't fully committed to the idea. Today, several manufacturers make one or two rods suitable for the float fishing steelheader.