Newbie equipment upgrade

[fpedroza]

I've been flying fishing now for about 3 years. When I started, my mother-in-law bought my current setup from L.L. Bean as a gift. Needless to say, the setup isn't that great. It's a 9' 6 wt. 2 pc. Now that I've decided that this is something I plan to do for the rest of my life, I think it's time for an upgrade so I'm looking for some recommendations. I live in Salt Lake so I plan to mostly fish the Weber and the Provo, but I'll venture further out occassionally. Having said that and realizing that it may all be personal preferance, could you guys offer some advice? I'm not looking to break the bank or anything so I don't know if I'm willing to spend over $600 at this time.

[Lonnie]

Is your budget for a rod and a reel or just a rod? (It makes a difference.) For a good "mid priced" rod I'd look at the Winston Ibis. I got one for x-mas two years ago and really like it. It's a good "do everying" (Dries/nymphs/streamers/stillwater) rod. It's around $250-$300.

L

[Curtis Fry]

You really should hit a few of the local shops and cast the rods (possibly with the reels you're considering) in order to see what you like. Especially since you're now a little more versed in casting and such, you will benefit from trying a variety of rods before you buy any.

Most shops will help you string up a rod and give it a test fling or two.

I'm a Sage fan myself, but that's just what I like. I fish other rods (custom built) and so it really depends on each person.

[nhancock]

I agree with Curtis. There are so many different rods that are quality rods it is all about preferance. It is all about what feels best in your hand. What works best for one may not work as well for the next guy.

I fish a Thomas and Thomas and I have no desire to switch. But I have fished a few differant Sage models and liked those almost as well.

[Graycliff]

If you've liked your L.L. Bean setup give thier other rods a look. I have some equpiment I've got from them and it's treated me just fine. The have an excellent warranty as well, if you don't like it or it breaks somehow, just send it in and you'll be credited a refund or replace the item no questions asked. Or you can spend the 600 for a rod from somewhere and drop 400 on some simms while you're at it.

[JBinUTAH]

Sage discontinued the DS2 line and the prices are around $150 to $175 new, 1/2 what they were. Not a bad rod, more intermediate/ beginner. I fish an XP. Great rod and I see them on Ebay for $350 to $600 and a good Orvis Barstock for $100+. They have a new mid-arbor for $118. Theres a lot of opinions and good experience out there but Curtis has a good idea I would go with too. Good luck.

[Trout4x]

I will give you my 2 cents worth. I am Thomas & Thomas fan I shopped around and then the thought crossed my mind to build one then I found the rod I wanted on Ebay it was used twice, I saved over $300.00 buying a "used" rod.

My suggestion it to buy the best you can afford and you will be happy it doesn't matter where you fish the rod you purchase will make every outing a pleasant experience.