Mooch, I like the Izor in Clear or High viz if I want to follow my line. I generally don't use High viz since I can still see my line, but as I get older I am sure it will find it's way onto a reel or two. As far as the longer rods go, well to each his own. I have found that the longer rod does indeed make a difference. Even on smaller streams with the long rod I might not even cast, just set it where I want it and go from there. Like I said the choice is yours, but for float fishing, I carry a big stick. Could I get by with an 8.5', sure but why work so hard if I don't have to.

MJ

where can I buy american made fishing equipment? Also that is american owned? Just a thought to support the economy.

Now to reply to the thread:
I have been using a 8'6 med. "salmon-moocher". with a shimano curado. It has done the job surpisingly in many different fishing situations and/also float and jiggin it.

A couple other comments regarding length. As TH mentioned, the added length of a 10 + foot rod will diminish its feel. However, if you use braided line (no stretch), this will increase your feel and more than make up for the difference. One added benefit of the longer rod I'm not sure anyone has mentioned is hook setting. A 10.5 moves a lot more line than a 9.5. Add the braided line and you can set the hook reliably > 150 feet! Some will say you never fish that far out, but with a 10.5 foot rod, you can cast farther, mend line farther and catch fish farther out. My most productive winter steelhead hole is a break about 100 feet out from the nearest wadable spot on a certain Willamette Valley river. I've rarely seen anyone else fish that water unless they have a boat, but I,ve hooked probably 50 steelhead there. I cannot fish it effectively with my 8.5 footer. I think on large rivers, the 10.5 is a great length.
The main drawbacks to me are weight and casting on brushy streams. If I fish a small stream, I take my 8.5 or fly fish.

I never even thought about the diminished feel.I have been dragging 10'6" rods for probably 6 years.They were always the 2-6 noodles though.

I broke my favorite and thought I was getting Bills spoon rod but ended up with a smaller Lamisnap.It was a Birthday present from the wife.It has taken awile to get used to it.I feel that the softer long rods cast better in the brush because it takes lees to load them up.You can flip your wrist and load up enough energy.I spend most my time throwing shiny things and have only this year actively used jigs,damn things work good.They cast a little diferant.

I also swear by the new braids.I started using Kevlar lines as rigging up in alaska before it really became available as retail fishing line.The stuff doesn't put up with the abuse as much as it used to but matched with a good spinning reel it will do whatever you want without any of the line twist problems.I akso like it when I am beating the brush,line hangups do not mean as much.I am also amazed at my wife catching a thirty two pound king on 12lb stren?

Mooch,
I notice that you live in kingston.I am going down to sportco next payday and bying the 10 6 spoon{bills} rod.Want to go prowl the canal and try it out?

Wingwand:

Lamiglas rods are made in Woodland Wa. Family owned business. Sage are manufactured on Bainbridge Island.

I use an 8'6" browning in a med. action and it works well for me. I usually use 10lb line on it and haven't had a fish break off yet. I alos use a soining reel, as I can't seem to cast a baitcaster very well with a bobber and jig on it. I do fine for drift fishing but that is it. I haven't spent a lot on my rod and reel but they work just fine. I think a longer rod say about a 10' would be a better jig rod though.
Buck

I really like the 10.5 foot Dave Vedder rod by Lamiglas. I highly recommend it. Throw a Curado on it and you're set.

My choice for the best rods;#1-Sage 3113 #2-Rainshadow 1263#3-Lamiglas Dave Vedder.
Best reel-Curado 201 bsf.