Here’s a truly great rod for heavy-duty freshwater applications and light-duty saltwater use. It casts like a bullet in the wind and has the power to handle all salmon species. It is the rod of choice for flats fishing when the wind comes up, and it will pull a big redfish back to the boat in a heartbeat. Bass fly fishermen love this model because it has the power to handle the large, bulky deer hair flies and poppers so popular for taking big largemouth out of lily pads and heavy cover. When the river gets a freshet and waters rise, the steelheader turns to the #9 for heavier lines and larger flies. It is a great all-around big fish rod.