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PNW Sam
Yes. Braid will dig in and slip around your spool. Mono gives it a buffer and it digs into the mono instead of slippingAlright man, thanks! I'll probably go ahead and use braid. But do I need a mono backing? I've heard conflicting opinions about this.
I'm getting the 7 footer because the 9 can be a real hassle to cast around trees and brush.
40lb braid would work awesome for what you want!
I will add that in the long run, you probably wont be happy with a 7' rod for salmon or steelhead, a bit on the short side.
Only disadvantage is if you havent fished with it, there is a small learning curve.
Not horrible. Generally need a few new knots in your arsenal, hook sets, and drags have to be softer because there isn't any stretch in the braid and you can pop leaders. Tip wrap.
Usually people have a hard time with it at first, and dont like it. Once you warm up to braid, its awesome.
Many people may tell you to not use it when drift fishing, but I think that is where it really shines. The extra sensitivity, and lack of stretch have really helped me hook into more fish. I've tried using my friends rigs with mono, and can't do it for more than a cast. Just be sure to check the last couple feet of line regularly so you don't leave it in the river on a snag.
the occasional tip wrap.
I also love drift fishing with braid... infact... I dont own a rod reel setup that doesn't have braid on it.