Thanks Salmo.
I like the fight and prefer the 8WT.
You are right it is a lot of work with a 8WT, but fun.

Think Ill try an 8 wt. Most of the work this rod will see will be for winter steel, and maybe a chum or two. Thanks again for all the indepth, detailed replies. It was more than what I could have asked for
Thanks
RL

I'm going to have to retool my thinking on my Dad's old St. Aidain I've got stashed in the flytying cabinet. It doesn't look to pretty but if Dad, Preston, and Salmo G. swear by it I better put my extra 7wt. floater on it and use it for summer runs!
I am wary anymore of the large arbor line capacities. Many are overstated.

OK, Maybe I should fill in the gap and get and an 8wt.

RL ... I hate to give a classified an endorsement, but the rod that Divers has for sale qould be a great choice. I have Fishgal fishing one, and I have two myself (usually throw my 200's and 300's or short sinktips on them) ... they're a super rod for the $$$$

Only instance where I like a little more rod is fishing big water or 400's.

Good luck!