I am a beginner ffisher, thus far spending all my water time chasing trout in mountain streams. My dad works for a rod store in WI and wants to buy me a new rod (w/his discount) - hoping to get me to chase after steelheads/salmon back home. I apparently have my picking from the G1000 line, 9' 2pc (that's all the guidance I recieved). I'd like to get one that makes sense - and, if at all possible, a rod that could potentially be thrown in the Gulf surf to play around when I go to destinFL each year on vacation. I realize that there is no perfect fit for this mission but would appreciate any advice from any vets out there. -thanks