I'm a believer in 7 weight rods for most salmonids and steelhead. Most of the fish that you get won't be over 15 lbs and a 7 weight will get the job done quickly without over taxing the fish.

If you're planning on targeting alot of Chum, a 7 weight can be a little light, but if you run into a brute you can break your fly off.

As for brands of rods, I'm a believer in buying a good and spending more than most for it. I've had the misfortune of breaking a rod but then because it was lifetime gauranteed had the rod replaced.

My favorite 7 weight rod is the Loomis GLX. It is very light weight and has a fast action. Another nice rod for half the price is the Ibis series from Winston, they run somewhere in the $300.00 range.

Twig