Great rod ( I assume you're speaking of the 8-17 model?).. Anyhow, if you're in the market for a moderate priced rod take a look at the Quantum coldwater series or the Berkely IM-7 series. A bit lighter than the Shimano which makes holding the rod up high while float fishing for hours a more pleasurable task. I love my convergence 8-17 for king float fishing but for steelhead, too heavy in my humble opinion.... Good luck...