I've come to the realization that a casting rod needs to be added to my arsenal for drift fishing. I'm primarily a float and jig guy but it is my goal, or resolution if you will to hook steelhead this year on drift gear as well. Up until now I've only hooked kings and coho on drift gear. The only steelhead I've hooked and landed have been on float and jig. I here a lot of talk about line control being the key and drift fishing with a spinning rod definitely limits that. I would like a rod that I could drift fish with and also switch it up and toss spoons with. From what i've read it seems like a spoon rod should be a bit longer like the Herzog Lamiglas spoon rods but I'd prefer an 8.6' or 9' drift rod. A buddy of mine just picked up the 8.6" 8-17 pound IMX casting rod. I felt out a couple drifts with it yesterday and aside from it feeling absolutely amazing it also felt like it had enough back bone to comfortably toss spoons?

So, in conclusion, what casting rod would you recommend to use as a drift/spoon rod? I'd love an IMX but for now i really need to stay on the "lower" end of the spectrum price wise while still having some sensitivity, especially since I'll need to purchase a reel too. Getting a casting setup just makes sense as the next step I need to take.

Thanks for any input,

Drew