Rocklizard, For $100 get the 9 wt. st.croix pro graphite. paired with an Ross reel 150-200$ or the well priced orvis large arbor. If you break the rod o-well was only 95$. Get the Orvis wonderline floating salmon/steelhead taper. Adds 20-30 feet to a good caster. I own a 4,5,7,8,wt.rods. the 8 wt. is what I use for salmon chinook/coho get the 9 wt. I can guarantee an 8 wt. cant handle a pissed off 25+ lb chinook without at least a 45 minute fight. Go 9 wt.
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Jon levy