I am going to be building a 8 wt. steelhead rod based on a Dan Craft FT. I am curious as to opinions on the pros and cons of a 9' rod or a 10' rod. I guess this is more of a fishing question than a rod buidling question. I plan on asking Dan myself prior to purchase but thought I would throw out this question. Dan got back to me right away with some Sig V vs. FT questions (thanks).

Also - the rod may be used for salmon on occaision but not likely much over 20 lbs. (chum, silver perhaps). Likely use a 8 - 9 weight changeable tip line system. I will use Titan titanium ceramics with the smallest being size 8 to handle loops. Is size 8 best for this application?

Sounds like you're a West Coaster. I do a good amount of steelheading on the tributaries of the Great Lakes and use a 13' float rod with a centrepin reel. Longer rods are used to help cusion light leaders/tippets. They also help to keep line off the water when trotting/indi fishing. Keeping the line off the water when trotting/indi-fishing helps the angler to achieve a drag free drift.

Going with the 10' rod should work nicely. for you.. I can't find any cons to using a longer rod. I've been using rods of 13' for many years and I'd like to build a 15 footer in the near future. Hope this helps.

Jim, I agree with Randy wholeheartedly. I fish steelhead here on the West coast and I think a longer rod gives you much more line control without giving up anything over a shorter rod. In fact I just built up one of the Rainshadow 11 1/2 foot spey blanks into a 6/7 wt conventional rod and I love it. I think you'll be very happy with Dan's blank in the 10'.

Jeff Hunter

I also agree with Randy. I also am a Great Lakes centerpinner and run a 13 footer, only in real tight tribs will I go down in lenght, and then only to 11.6