Loomis has the best warranty program in the business and there rep speaks for itself. In my opinion the 1141 is too light for most late winter steelie situations. Prolong exurtions premote increased stress on these fish which should be C and Red. I agree, casters are better for drift/bdogging but guides use spins for the ease of use for their clients. I prefer spin for float fishing steelies and spinner(bladed) fishing. I've heard good thing about rouges but I've got no complaints about any of my gl3's. My IMX's I don't think were worth the extra coin but those rods don't come in the GL3 graphite. You can't really compare a $200+ rouge to a $100 northwest special but I put my rod money 90% of the time on GL3. Value in mind. 9'-9'6", heavier on the bank, lighter in a boat. Loomis models above are good choices. My favorite Big steel float rod from the driftboat is the 1137 with a 4000 stadic and 12lb mono. Braided lines and spinning reels definately don't work for me. I've owned that rod and reel for 3+ years. 9'9" minimum for evective float fishing 10'6 is good. Just bought an 11'4 with 10lb mono for the bank. Not sure if I like it yet, a bit cumbersome for me. Off to go use it as so a this fishin' "buddy" shows. Not the first time he's been late.
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RIP Tyler Greer. May Your seas be calm, and filled with "tig'ol'bings"!