I would seriously look at the 1087 or 1088 GL3 by Loomis
The 1087 is a 9' #7 while the 1088 is a 9' #8. Both rods tend to fish a line size heavier so the #7 is more then adequate for most NW steelhead and salmon fishing. Both these rods are under $300.

They are more rod for the buck then any other rod on the market. They can cast and feel alot like the old RPL+s and have the power that these rods had also. There are more aesthetically pleasing rods in the $300 and under price range but none can cast like the GL3 does.
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Ryan S. Petzold
aka
'Sparkey' and/or 'Special'