JMO,

If you're doing a lot of casting, the longer rods tend to get heavy, and take a burden on your wrist and arm. A lot of people really like to push the 1143. 9' 6" rod with an average backbone. Personally, I wouldn't go that route.

Sounds like you need a 1025c. 8'6", and plenty of backbone for salmon and winter steelies with plenty of sensitivity.

Downgrade to a 1084c when summer run steelhead fishing. It's a lighter, but longer, 9', rod.
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T.K. Paker