The Imx 1025 Loomis is a fine rod, but one of the last ones I'd use for side-drifting. Its a foot too short and med-fast to boot. You want at least a 9.5' rod with a soft: (read).. slow action, for the sweeping hook-set you will get. 99.9% of the time. If done right your bait will be behind you and looking to nail the corner of the fishes mouth without tearing out. Spinning rods rule here throwing the light baits. Get an old style Imx 1082s if you can find one & put a shimano 2000 stradic on it.......