GV,

I'm just guessing, but I suspect that you don't use the same spinning or casting rod for trout, steelhead, and salmon - all three. Imagine picking just one tool from your arsenal to do all three. You'd be just as limited in trying to do so with fly gear.

If I had to pare my selection to cover those bases to just two outfits, I'd choose a 9' 5 wt for trout fishing, or maybe a 6, but my preference favors the 5. Then I'd pick a 9 1/2' 8 wt for steelhead and salmon, knowing that I'm going to be a bit light for large silvers and chum, but OK most of the time. Forget kings; they're 10 wt material.

If cost is that much a consideration, you can get good import rods at Sportco for $100 to $150 and Okuma reels, which I've heard are pretty good, for less than $45.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.