well first off buying the rod first is a mistake.

you need to buy a line first!! the line determines the application not the rod..

for the typical winter steelheading you'll want a LINE!!!! that will throw a 13-15 foot 150 grain tip type 6 or type 3.. An ideal line for this is the rio windcutter 9-10-11.

Now what you'll need is a rod that will handle that line, most 14 ft 9-10's are just right

there are all kinds of lines out there for all different types of casting mostly i think what passes for fact now a days in the spey relm is personal opinion and BS.

since you are a beginner i recommend the 9-10-11 windcutter with tips then branch out from there according yo your own personal tastes.. The windcutter works perfectly right out of the box, no splicing no BS.. tie on a leader and go fishing..