I use a 10' 7wt med action, its a custom made rod on TNT blanks. A fast action rod IMO is a good choice if your going to use it for other big game fish casting big bulky flies around. I like the feel of a med action rod when nymphing, bumpin bottom, I think I get a better hook set against steelhead with a med action rod . I have a fast action 8wt that is great for casting big streamers to Pike but its just to stiff for my liking when I'm after steelhead, I guess I feel like a fast rod will let the fish know your there before you realize they are, whereas a med acction rod does just the oposite. When it comes to fly line, leaders and tippet, the only line I will buy is Scientific Angler products.