I would just like to reinforce 2 points already brought up by others.

1) Let the rod do the work- You don't need to use an aggressive casting motion as you do with some graphite rods.

2) be sure that you are hanging a heavy enough reel off the back end of it to balance - Balance is important, especially with a heavier rod

I have a South Bend 8.5 rod and I used it last fall for steelhead with no problem. Let the rod do the work.

Jeff