Buzzy is right. It is generally a south wind, and it is not your friend. If there is wind in the forecast and you are in a tube, I would look for other waters.
The 95% idea is really interesting. Probably my most productive fly is a black bunny leach (moving or stillwater). It is simple, one of the first flies I learned to tie, caught my first fish on a fly i tied (6lb broodstock, which ruined me for a long time) and catching fish on it early was...
My Scadden Escape is the best frameless inflatable I have used. As Wayne said, all different types have their place. But for what you describe my favorite has been a Bucks Southfork. Deck on the back for stuff, able to mount electronics if you wish, can fin around, add a padded seat and your...
This is cool! My daughters first fly rod was the top section of a 8' 4wt 2pc graphite rod, and built with all components I just had laying around. It was actually kind of fun to play with, and I didn't worry about her breaking it. I think it is still out in the garage somewhere.
Great pictures. I love seeing coastal rivers and streams and miss them. I grew up in Tillamook, and have fished my whole life. Oddly, I and can't recall a single friend or person ever targeting steelhead. Lots of people including my father would target salmon when they were running, but I...
And they sometimes inhale a hooked 12-14" cutthroat!!! Walking or floating, keep a 7-8wt rigged up with something big and white or shiny for sure. If a bull slashes at the cutty you are fighting have someone else immediately throw the streamer. That pissed off bull will come back to hit the...
Wading is fine and there are trails to follow even near town if I remember. But soooo much fishable water. Pontoons would be great. Float, pull over fish, work your way down....I would do this in a heart beat. I found Elk River Guiding Company and their shop super helpful. One evening...
Good call on the locking reel seat.
For 2wt I would consider glass or older Sage TXL.
I had a 2wt but ultimately a 4wt is about as small as I go. A 4wt Kabuto, TMF, Chalkstream Light, all of these are a joy to cast, and catch fish no matter of the size. Plus I am not under-gunned if a small...