I'm currently in the market to purchase a rod blank for steelhead/salmon fishing on the American river. I'm looking for a 8 1/2 foot rod capable of handling 12-20lb test. It will primarily be a bead rod. Ive priced the lami's and loomes blanks and found they r a tad bit on the expensive side. Any help wood b great.

-Twoody13

Take a look at the Shikari line, there very well built and are thin like the Gusa and loomis blanks.....

I would really suggest 2 different sticks for salmon and steelhead.
I generaly fish 8lb. for steelies and have no problem landing any fish hooked-up to 13lbs. so far. Salmon are another story-baitcaster with at least 12lb.test-15lb. when conditions dictate IMHO. BTW I live within walking distance of the American and love steelhead fishing esp.
Not to spam and not affiliated but there is a web site ffo-tackle.com I believe where Berkley,Fenwick and Abu-Garcia sell disc.tackle for large savings. Two years ago I bought a new 9'spinning rod and a 81/2' baitcaster both Series Ones and paid less than 100.00 for the pair incl. shipping.
Dylan

Dylan