I got rainshadow rx8 13' 3 piece i am having anglers habitat build. Should be a beauty when it is done. Still thinking about the reel. I want to step up and get an islander reel but they are pricey. but on the flipside the reels hold their value if i decided to unload. The wallis cast is the 1st one I want to learn. They don't look too bad to learn, easier than spey casts anyway. I have an advantage fishing from a drift boat that I can get above the slot and just drop it in and let it ride when I get too frustrated casting. We'll see how it goes. If I hook a 40"er on this rod it will be quite the ride! The majority of the fish we catch in northern Idaho are in the mid 30's (inches) and on the Salmon @30" with the occasional hawg. I will be running 10lb mainline and 6-8lb leader depending on water conditions. Are you using hi vis float specific line? That'll be another learning point for me. Float weight vs rig weight for cast-ability. Still easier when I am not having be be concerned with what type of shooting head and what grain weight and what tip sinking or floating works with which type of fly like in spey. Im sure I will still spey cast, it is fun, but can be a pain in the butt at times for a newbie. I really like the fact that flies won't be zipping by my face at mach 2 also.
