I'm gonna crack the can o' worms (its the SH forum, after all). You do not need an 8 or 9 wt to fish steelhead on the American (or almost anywhere). Trust me, after holding the rod all day fishing a bobicator, you will want a fast action 6 or 7 wt. They are much lighter and if you learn how to fight fish correctly, you'll never feel undergunned.
If you're gonna swing, get a 6 or 7 wt. switch or spey. A 14' 9 wt spey rod is extreme overkill for just about any fish that swims. A 12'6" to 13' 7 wt spey rod will be perfect for everything on the West Coast.
Now, if you plan on salmon fishing, sure, get a little beefier (salmon-only) rod. But if you want something to fight foul-hooked salmon when you're SH fishing, get whatever you want.
Look into just about any 9'6" to 10' 6-7 wt rod with a fighting butt.
Mike
Eat it. Eat it. Simon says EAT IT!!!
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