heh i need a new spinrod, after breaking numerous cheaper ones i'm ready to blow some dust out of the ole alligator skin and buy a nice one. i'm not talking cream of the crop here but a good trusty rodd to get the job done.i bank fish rivers mostly,

I have a few shakespeare intrepids and they are sweet rods for the price. They are 8.5 feet and made out of IM7 graphite. They usually run for about sixty bucks and come in two sizes 8-12 or 10-20, I would go with the 8-12.

I have one of the Intrepids in 8-12, 8 1/2' casting that is a deal for the bucks...G.I Joes or Sportco has them for 40 bucks. Put several steelies in the boat with it already.
Greg

Ditto on the Shakespeare. It was my first Salmon/Steelhead rod, before upgrading to a couple of Lamis. Good sensitivity, tough as nails and $39.99 at SPortco. Just bought my 9 yr old one or Xmas. Great rod for the price.

http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/tackle/titanium.html

I too have a Shakespeare IM-7; 10½feet(2-8LB test) light action rod-had a blast with the Chum Salmon with it and caught a 17½LB(39inch)Summer Steelie with it a few weeks ago. I bought mine at Buffalo Bills in Issaqual,$49.99 regular price and got it on sale for $37.99 last year sometime.

iits funny all of you suggested the same rod, my buddy and i were checking out some intrepids at boatersworld last week 39.95 we were thinking they were pretty darn good for the price. a sales staff tried to steer us to a diawa. for 10 bucks more, but we both still thought the intrepid was the best. i busted a 9ft ugly stik last week, so its in the mail being replaced for free.

If you want a really good rod for a really good price try building one for yourself. D and E rods in Battle Ground have G Loomis overstock blanks and Lamiglas in Woodland has specials and seconds there. I built a IMX STR 1082 for around a $120 and my friend picked up 2 GL3 blanks of the same rod for $43 from D and E, so with the handle kit and guides it runs around $70 or so. I have fished with the intrepids that you are talking about and compared to the rods I mentioned above, it felt like I was fishing with a tomato stake. A Lami G1000 or Certified Pro on sale is only around $100 bucks. Just picked up a ST 1084 kit (not a Loomis) for my Dad for Christmas through Marty at Steelheader.net for $70. Do yourself a favor and leave the intrepid at the store and spend a couple of extra bucks for a rod that will knock your socks off in comparison!!!
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

In my opinion the warrantee on the Lamiglass is worth the extra $50.00 or so more. If you break it once you are way money ahead.

Tomato stake! Hey, I never said I wasn't cheap! But as long as I keep catching fish on it, I'll keep fishing with my cheap ol' mater stick. Matter of fact, think I'll go buy another one.
Greg

If you are going to move up, I would go for a Loomis or a Lamaglass. Look for a rod in the 9 to 9 1/2 foot range in the 8 to 12 or 6 to 15 line class. I use many different of rods but I keep coming back to these types of rods. Great for drift fishing, jigs or side drifting.