Central Division 1PistonsBiggest question is if they can sustain ‘drive to win’ 2PacersShould be even closer this year 3CavaliersIn either other eastern division would contend for 1st 4BullsSlowly getting better, very slowly (and really did they have anywhere else to go 5BucksWill be tough to follow up on last years success

Southeast Division 1HeatShaq alone makes them contenders – look for Eddie Jones to re-emerge as all star 2MagicFrancis looks to return to Stevie Franchise days 3HawksHave some potential young talent, Harrington one of favorites for most improved 4WizardsThey are just treading water, and should be very afraid of Bobcats passing them quickly 5BobcatsThey have to start somewhere, couldn’t have asked for a better division

Southwest Division 1SpursAdding Barry for depth gives them just another weapon 2RocketsWill be interesting to watch how it unfolds 3MavericksNew look Mav’s probably not any better, still won’t stop anyone defensively 4GrizzliesHave made great strides, but will be harder to take next step 5HornetsBiggest victims of realignment

Northwest Division 1T-wolvesThis could be their year (may have to be) 2NuggetsQuietly have put together one of best starting 5 in league 3TrailblazersHow long before they shake up roster even more? 4SonicsHave to decide what kind of team they want to be, and then commit to it 5JazzKirilenko is easily most unheralded player in league

Pacific Division 1KingsStill have one run left in them 2SunsAre well on their way to being ‘the next team’ 3LakersNew look Lakers are in for some surprises 4ClippersClippers will battle Warriors and Wizards to stay ahead of Bobcats 5WarriorsSee Clippers

Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers over Pistons Western Conference Finals: Timberwolves over Spurs Finals: Pacers over Timberwolves

MVP: Favorite:Kevin Garnett, Twolves Sleeper: Stephon Marbury, Knicks Defensive Player of Year: Favorite:Ben Wallace, Pistons Sleeper:Andrei Kirilinko, Jazz Most Improved Player: Favorite:Al Harrington, Hawks Sleeper:Drew Gooden, Cavaliers Sixth Man: Favorite:Bobby Jackson, Kings Sleeper:Joe Johnson, Suns Scoring Champion: Favorite:Kobe Bryant, Lakers Sleeper:Shaquille O’Neal, Heat Rookie of Year: Favorite:Dwight Howard, Magic Sleeper: J.R. Smith, Hornets Coach of Year: Favorite:Stan Van Gundy, Heat Sleeper:Lenny Wilkens, Knicks

REELS When playing a steelhead, reel becomes much more than just a place to store your fly line. The reel needs to be reliable as steelhead switch directions instantly peeling off line. They need to be large enough to hold your fly line and 150 yards of backing. Large arbor reels are becoming popular as they pick line up in a hurry, when your prized steelie decides to run at you.

LINE Erie steelheaders tend to use floating line as rivers are smaller, they are perfect. If you would like a little boost in casting then get a weight forward line, marked by WF on package. On big rivers one should carry a floating line and a sinking tip line, as conditions change during season. Getting fly down to fish is vital.

LEADERS Most steelheaders actually make their own leaders. Using Maxima Chameleon more often then not. Tippets should be 0x or smaller, Erie steelheaders can go up to 4x on clear water days. But bigger river anglers should stay around 0x or .011 diameter to turn over bigger flies, and to allow for strong arming fish. For detailed leader recipes check our www.globalflyfisher.com.

Well that’s it if you have never tried steelhead fly fishing you are in for a treat. Use this guide as a starting spot for acquiring proper gear, pick up a few flies from www.bigyflyco.com and just add water.