I'm gonna try some steelhead fishing in Northern Ohio on the rivers near Lake Erie. Never fished for them before, we've caught a few while trolling for Walleye but never fished for them exclusively. What kind of tackle would you recommend? I don't have a fly fishing rod, just a regular 6 1/2 footer.

Not to be a "jerk" but you will have trouble with a 6' 6" rod. You don't need a fly rod at all, to say the least. There are many options for steelhead in the rivers (ie. Centerpin, spinning, fly rods). I don't use a flyrod, and many people do not realize that you can use flies on a regular spinning rod. The smallest rod you will generally want for steelhead is around a 10'. You need heavier, good quality line, but must use a swivel with a leader (3-5 foot depening on visibility in the river)with either thinner, or fluorocarbon line. Steelhead are VERY particular fish and presentation is important to catching them (except for an aggressive one week window).

Tackle can range from flies, to spawn, to live bait and jigs. You must have a variety of tackle to be able to catch these fish. It can change daily on what they are mainly feeding on. You will also need a float if fishing deeper holes, or "bottom bouncing" works when fishing gravel.

This is the best depiction I can find, and have shown to many people.

I hope what I have said helps, you should also look for reports on the rivers you are fishing, they help greatly.

Waders are also key in fishing for still in most circumstances.