casting ?

[craigd]

Consider dropping down to a 5 or 6wt. I think it'd be more fun for you...unless you plan to typically use an 8-9wt for general fishing.

You can feel a 5-6wt load just fine for learning purposes.

Jeremy.

I fish the salt mostly but was thinking of adding the 5wt for bluegill in the local ponds. The 9wt will probably still be my primary stick.