Personally for the salt I like the 9 wt. When the winds blows, like it always does in the salt, it feels like no rod can be too big. I tried my 8 once and was pretty disgusted with the results after using the 9 for so long. I am looking into a 12 wt for surf casting here in New England. When I think it may be overkill I just take a look at the rods that the surf spin casters use, those things are huge, and it always answers my question that no a 12 wt shouldn't be overkill.

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Who has time for stress when there are fish to catch.
Nick