Mac,

George at Fishin' Plus in Pasco has Lamiglass rods built on the IM 7 blank just like the Berkely AIR 7 mentioned here. I've fished the two next to each other and prefer the guides on the Lamiglass. It's a great looking rod and it's quite inexpensive. I think I paid $60 for mine.

For reels, I like an Abu 6501--just a bit bigger than the 5501. I worry needlessly about getting spooled by a 40 lb. monster. Cabelas has one for 80 bucks.

I usually use 15-17 lb. line for salmon. Sometimes 20, but I've not found it necessary to go that heavy when you have a good rod and reel.

Look me up sometime and we'll go. Springers are closed everywhere but the Snake now, but summer salmon opens in a month.

Dan