BB75 - you're confusing your techniques a bit. Here, let me explain the general lott to you!

Drift fisherman will tend to use a rod somewhere in the 8' 6" to 9' 6" rod. They are normally faster action casting rods with very sensitive tips. Usually the rod has a good backbone to allow the drift fisherman to yard on the rod to free up their snagged gear without breaking the rod! JK.

A float fisherman will use a rod somewhere in the 9'-10'6" range, with 10' to 10'6" being the most common. Again, fast action rods are used to set the hook. Can be both casting or spinning. They use the longer rods to get more line off the water, or help in mending the line upriver. Float folks like to "high stick" their rods and are always tossin' their stuff in to trees! Right Osprey? JK.

A noodle rod fisherman wants a rod that is at least 12' long, if not longer, has a painfully slow action, and they get their thrills from using very very light main line and leaders. This style of fishing is rarely seen these days. You will tell if you're close to a noodle rod fisherman by the amount of dead native steelhead you find floating past you down river.

Finally, there are the folks that need the 11', fast-action, thick as a stump rod. Sensitivity isn't an issue. Ususally used on the Cowlitz/Lewis to pull in those arse, bellow, or tail hooked kings and coho very quickly and efficiently.