I was not sure where to write this, but I took notice that another had made posting here so I will follow suit. I have been viewing from the out side looking in for a little bit now and thought I would register. My Nick name has nothing to do with fishing. It is a old name I was given while working construction 20+ years ago. I used to live in the NW 10 years ago. We/My Family and I had been there since 1964. My home waters were the Sandy river Bobber fishing, or the Dechutes fly wavin. Although I have fished every water shed from Cali to CA both north East south and west. I still have a fondness in my heart for the Sandy river. Recently I have been from Buffalo NY, to NEPA in the past 10 years. I have had the privilege to be able to fish what is known as SteelHead Alley. Lake Erie Water sheds from CA down to Ohio. I have been able to fish every great lake system that there is. It was more of a personal goal for me to fish all of the great lakes than any thing else. But I am glad I have accomplished it. I picked up Centrepin Float fishing in those 10 years and haven't looked back. In the years of being away from Oregon I have made the journey to my "Home waters" at least twice a year since. Fishing with one of a few longer rods( 13` to 15`) and a Centerpin with great results. I am a jig fisherman only and have been for quite some time now. I am also a Catch & release fisherman these days. Although when I am out fishing the Western waters, I have been know to keep a couple for table fair. Here in the East you really wouldn't want to eat any thing from the Great Lakes due to the pollutants in the fish. I have to say I get the oddest looks from others out West when I am fishing, but it always gets some sort of conversation going to say the least. Since I only get out west a couple of times a year I will not be able to give any low downs, but will share when it is applicable. I can how ever let you in on the fishing out here in SteelHead alley and can inform any one who wants to know about Float Fishing with a Centrepin and long rod set up. I like the fact that the membership here is on the smaller side. Well any how that is my story and I am sticking to it. The attached photos are of the head waters of the Mighty Niagara River. Lake Erie is to the far right, And Buffalo is in the back drop of the second photo. I was on the Canadian side fishing down stream under the Peace bridge.
East Coast or Great Lakes SteelHead are plentiful. I will not go into numbers, but I can tell you that arm pump and pectoral fatigue can happen on any given day. As to differences of fight between the two. Nothing Beats a Bullet caught near or out in the Ocean!!! But as you head up stream and the fish get a bit on the tiresome side they all have that distinct tug that has us all addicted. Most water sheds here have impassible barriers, which equates to a shorter water shed to fish for them in. Now do not get me wrong,there are many rivers through out the East that have a good amount of water to fish in. But nothing like it is out in the West. So I will sum it up. East has numbers. West has size. East has little areas to fish and smaller water sheds, West has bigger water sheds and a lot more access. That is how I put it when I am asked this very same question. If you ever get a chance to look at what PA or NY or OH stocks in numbers. It is staggering!!!!!!!!!!!! 
