I'm wondering what board members feel are the specifications for the ideal mooching rod.

Depending on my mood I use both an 11'6" and 9' GL2 10-20's....

I'm still searching for the "perfect" rod. Haven't found it. It does depends on the water/current you're fishing. For faster currents, such as a big ebb at Point No Point, which requires heavier weights (up to 8 oz. lead), and thus, I believe a very fast (read stout) tip, I use a discontinued model called an "Osprey". Got it at Ted's in Lynnwood - haven't seen it since. It's 9 foot, graphite, with a pretty decent graphite reel seat. For lighter weight, shallower water, a Loomis GL3 works nice - the all wood reel seat is still warm in winter. I like the older all cork reel seats, without the trigger - they aren't made any more. I've had a few custom rods made for me, from Sage, Loomis, and Talon blanks, and I treasure them - but don't want to wear them out. The full cork reel seat is sure nice in the winter (when/if blackmouth season is open). My "fun" rod is actually a 25 year old Lamiglass steelhead rod that started out 8'-6" - got the tip broke - and was re-strung as a light 8 footer. It's a blast with 4 lb test and blackmouth in the winter ('though have caught a few summer fish in the mid twenties with it). As an aside - are you the one out there in the winter with the red (I think Woolrich) aluminum boat?

Nope, silver Alumaweld.