The 1309 is a great and powerful rod. I think one reason you don't see it mentioned more is it is somewhat of a "tweener" in that for a lot of steelhead applications, the combination of short length and higher line weight does not match up. In other words, the general preference tends towards nine weights in the longer 14-16' lengths. I think it would be a dandy rod though for winter fishing on legderock rivers like the N. Umpqua where long casts aren't the norm and heavy tips are often called for. Also, if you were to match it up for bigger fish like kings or big chum, it will also shine.