Iain,
I could sort you out with one oo the rods I am building for the Pike Fly Fishing Association
Just introduced a 9 weight, slightly faster action version..made a couple for SWFF only using saltwater proof fittings and the chaps are very happy with them
And you wont need steroids for it..incredably light for a saltwater blank
I currently use a 9 weight Orvis Powermatrix or a 10 weight Greys Esox...purely because thats what i have for the Pike. I will be ordering myself one of these new 9 weight blanks and making it up strictly for SWFF
I have heard of folk using 6 or 8 weight rods off the UK coast, which is fine for Bass or Mullet of a sandy beach, but 90% of the fly fishing up here is over rough ground and you need to swing the fish up the rocks so need something a bit stronger in my opinion.
As for reels..cant go wrong with an Okuma Airframe as they have a sealed drag and are made of a composite so never go rusty. I use an Orvis Mach IV, but its already getting damaged on the rocks, so going back to the Airframe or Integrity as they are only £30 instead of £200..lol