Well I might as well build a float rod for Steelhead since I don't have one. Looking at the 13' options, St Croix has a 13' SCII 2S130LM2 @ 3.3 ozs, 2-6 pound line for $90. Rainshadow has a 13' IST1562F @ 3.94 ozs. 6-10 pound line, for $85.

I would think the Rainshadow's 6-10 pound line would be better suited for Steelhead but it too is a 2 piece and probably a bit cumbersome to pack. Are there any other options such as a 3 piece 13' footer in that same 6-10 pound range? I've looked and can't find anything other than Spey blanks which I think are going to be too heavy for what I want. Thanks.

Take a look at the Lamiglas XSH1563L. This is a three piece blank rated for #6 - #10 line, 1/4 - 1/2 oz lure. We sell a lot of these to the Great Lakes steelhead folks.

Andy Snedden

I have a Talon ITM 3 pc. that was built for me last year. It's lighter than my 11'6" Rainshasow. I believe it's a 4-8#.

I do a LOT of steelhead jig fishing here in Oregon and Washington and just downsized from a 10'6" to a 9'6", primarily because I mostly fish from my drift boat and the longer the rod, the more likely it is to get tangled with the 12-15 other rods in the boat. Also, it's lighter. That said, Cabela's Fish Eagle II blanks come in a 10-foot (8-15#) and an 11'6" (1-4). I have built a bunch on these blanks, and they are really nice (and only $29.99). Good luck.

Also, you might want to take a look at a Raven.