Got a chance to get out on the banks of the Ohio river. A lot larger than the smaller waters I normally fish. For the small water I use a 2/3 or 4/5 weight rod but decided to take the FF857 for this venture. The larger size allowed me to throw larger flies like huge clousers. What is everyone else's favorite greater than 6 weight rod? I was thinking of getting a Steffens blank but not sure if the rods made out of the word that begins with a "g" would be more practical after a certain line weight.

I got a Steffen 8'0" 6/7wt this winter and have fished it three times so far. IMO it's a 7wt. I fished it on a big western river out of a drift boat with streamers and a sink tip one day, and two other days on a spring creek making 10'-40' casts with streamers and crayfish. It is awesome for both purposes, but then again, I'm a thoroughly biased Steffen fan.

In the past year, I've cut down a number of 5/6 & 6/7 FG rods that were 8-8.5'. They now range in length from 7-7.5'. They do very well handling a 7 or 8wt line and up to sz 2 deer hair bugs, clousers and other weighted subsurface baits. The shorter rod doesn't generate the speed of a 9' rod but you can make 50-60' casts all day without worrying about a hernia, worn out shoulder, wrist or elbow.
Jim

Glass makes wonderful 8.5 ft rods and they are SOOO much easier on your arm than graphite. Any of the nice classics, Fenwick, Parametric, Fisher, work well.

A Parametric 8.5ft 7wt 2pc I have is an amazing rod, and a recently aquired 8.5ft lami Sglass 8wt is quickly becoming a fav too. The there is a Dark brown Fenwick, 8.5ft rated 6wt, really a 7wt, what joy. So much good glass, so little time ...

I've got a Berkley "Specialist" 8' 7wt that I am beginning to like more and more. It will handle a typical 8wt floater and Peach 444 F/S 8wt (with a 10' type IV sink rate tip). It also likes my SA Ultra 4 WF7F Bass Bug taper line. The tip is soft enough to even appreciate typical sized blue gills, however the butt is strong enough to pull a 6# bass out of the weeds! The rod is fairly light, being "S" glass and pairs well with Martin 67SS and a Diawa SF708 reels. Tryed to get rid of it once, but I think it was made to be a keeper. Thinking about one day getting it re-furbed with a new grip and fresh set of guides.

I like my 7 wt Orvis fulflex

Love my Orvis Fullflex A 8' 7-weight.

If you can manage it acquire a 'Unity with the Universe' rod from Tom Morgan Rodsmith's in blank form.
I am lucky enough to have one in that format. Fishes like a light 6wt an balances very well and handles a 7wt with aplomb.

I believe an 8 1/2' Winston Fiberglass is the same taper as the above rod.