!!BOUGHT!! thanks!!!

im looking at higher end, i already have a #6 momentum that i had for my spey rod, but i sold that because spey just wasnt my thing, and im moving back down to sacramento and an 8/9 shotgun of a rod isnt much use for light steelhead and half pounders. i need a 9 because during my college we are required to go on summer learning cruises and we will be going to hawaii, tahiti, tonga and samoa so i am going to need the big guns....it you have ever seen the big blue white and gold ship under the carquinez bridge thats cal maritime...

im looking to spend up to $500.
thanks in advance...

I'll tell ya, I bought an Ovis T3 9wt with the tip flex this spring. I put a 10wt flip pallot(Teeny) floater on it, and it is a rocket with a very strong butt section. Gorgeous rod at $495 new. With a $500 budget, I can't see you going wrong with that rod.

sounds like a pretty cool school program, what college?

the school is the california maritime academy, which is a californis state university... i am pretty excited...