GLoomis came out with a new rod this year that works great for drift fishing, hardware throwing, and float fishing (I use it for all the above - including tolling).
Supposedly, they advertised it wrong and asked about $100 less than they meant (when I saw the price, I actually called them and asked what the deal was...). It is a GL3 for the price of a GL2 (until they print the new catalog).
If you like spin fishing and using 8lb line, then this is perfect - very sensative, long enough for floats, but not too long for hardware, handles summer runs like a dream, and bends all the way into the handle when a 20lb fish is on. I've caught summer and winter runs, pinks, coho and kings with it - but to be honest, I plan on finding a heavier salmon rod...
Here's the specs from the 2001 catalog:
STR1173S-SK Length: 9'9" Power: 3 Pieces: 2 Spinning NEW
Here's a Great Lakes steelhead rod, specially designed to fish the brush-lined streams and rivers of the upper Midwest. It has a Skamania Style handle, which is a fancy way of saying its foregrip is long and its rear grip short. Why? For added leverage and line control, especially with slip-bobber rigs and light splitshot dropper rigs. Because the center of balance is back behind the angler's hand, the reel acts like a counter balance when lifting the rod tip. The extra length also gives you better control, especially with longer leaders.



GL3
5.30
28
6 - 12
3/8 - 3/4
Fast
Medium
$185.00