New to this forum

My name is Walt Lukowski ( wbrewski ) I am from So Calif. I fish out of a kayak in the ocean, now I am into fly fishing and want to tackle a steelhead or salmon. I also have a custom rod building shop and rod repair, I am in the process of building a 10' 7 wt for the steelhead and salmon, but am having trouble deciding on a reel . any help would be greatly appreciated. My first trip up north will be shore fishing, any places recommend would be welcomed. Is there any of the rivers that I can float in my kayak and easily paddle back to the place of entry?

What Blank are you using?  I've got a Lamson Hard Alox 3.5 for sale if your interested.  It's a 8-9 reel, but would balance out if you using a 10' rod.  Let me know if your interested in it. 

The blank is 1007 pacbay. I was looking for a large arbor with  7 wt the max on the reel. How much are you asking.
I am going to a large fly shop show this weekend at Bob Marriots in Fullerton Ca. If I do not buy a reel there I might be interested. Now I have a Battenkill VI for sale on eBay it is almost bran new loaded with line and backing. I think it is a little large, what do you think?
Where do you fly fish?

I'm asking $285 (used 2-3 times).  I'm a guide here in the Central Valley.  I guide the Sierra's the surf, and everything in between.  This year I just added kayak trips to the menu.  I'm not to sure about the Orvis line.  I would make sure what ever reel you choose, that it has a good smooth drag.  I think large arbors are the best thing.  It allows you to bring in line pretty quick.  I've spent my time working in fly shops, so of course I have my preferences.  Is this the big Marriots show they put on every year?  I've been wanting to go, but am usually busy.  This week we're heading up to the Delta to go hit the stripers.

My steelhead/Salmon Flty reel is an Orvis-Arbor big game reel

there are parts of the American(when it is open) that you can paddle back up easily,  My favorite is the Trinity.

My 2 cents

Mike

I'm asking $285 (used 2-3 times).  I'm a guide here in the Central Valley.  I guide the Sierra's the surf, and everything in between.  This year I just added kayak trips to the menu.  I'm not to sure about the Orvis line.  I would make sure what ever reel you choose, that it has a good smooth drag.  I think large arbors are the best thing.  It allows you to bring in line pretty quick.  I've spent my time working in fly shops, so of course I have my preferences.  Is this the big Marriots show they put on every year?  I've been wanting to go, but am usually busy.  This week we're heading up to the Delta to go hit the stripers.

The show is the 21 and 22 this Sat and Sun.

I would agree, the Trinity is a good one.  I would also say the Feather River.  You know what, almost any river up North would be recommendable.