Would have been more fun on the 5 wtbut was using my 8 weight beater, cheap rod that works. Only had a 5x tip though. It was on the St Croix and I am looking forward to taking the BIG Rod out for the larger members of the tribe. I found a Diamondback Backwater 9wt on ebay for $80 new and am rigged for the big boys. 9wt Rio Clouser and SA concept 2 reel. Hope the reel is up to the challenge.