Thanks 4Salt..we DO have atleast one thing in common...our choice in rods. I use the G Loomis in the rivers in the fall and have caught some huge Kings in heavy current. I have used it on the downrigger as well. The trouble is all the "newbies" who abuse the heck out of the rods. Thanks to everyone for the tips...I am hoping that this thread will be just as well attended as the political ones..best deal about it is no one calls anyone a flaming idiot for their opinion about fishing rods. Isn't it wonderful? By the way I just like the looks of my GLoomis and Calcutta....I'm so vane!