When fishing the salt i like a fast action 9' rod. We usually fish a Sage XP, Xi2,or TCR. All of them are very fast and can punch big flies through the wind. antyhing from a 6 to an 8 weight rod. Some guys like 9'6" rods but i dont find them to be any better for me than a 9'
I think a lot also has to do with the lines. I like a big agressive WF head. Something like the rio outbound. The big heads will load a rod and allow you to shoot a lot of line.