8ftleader, sorry, should have mentioned I'm fishing S.E. Alaska, off Prince of Wales Is., strictly mooching and in depths from 45 to 250 ft. (thats right silvers on the bottom in 250 ft. of water) they also average 10-12 lbs. and 15-16 lbs. aren't uncommon. Believe it or not there is alot of skill and finesse needed in landing these deep water fish, they are notoriously light biters and once hooked they can get from the bottom to the surface in just a few seconds, though many get away the ones that stay pinned are a blast. Once I get back to Wash. (mid-Sept) its hard to get very enthused about 5 lb. silvers, much rather chase steelhead. Good fishing.