Like Tyrone I am also the proud possessor of a Deer Creek 5/6, and it has become my favorite rod for summer steelies. I wasn't very pleased with it at first, but as usual it is matching the right line to the rod that makes all the difference. I did try the scandi rig and wasn't impressed.... then I switched to a 450g Rio Skagit and the thing turned into a cannon!

With all respect to Red Shed, my vendor of choice is the Fly Fishing Shop in Welches at (www.flyfishusa.com.) [full disclosure.... I am a Deschutes addict]. I have found them to be a very helpful group with just about every imaginable trinket for the Steelhead nut, as if all steelhheaders weren't nuts.