1st I'm far from an elitest. I don't consider myself more superior then others. Equall "YES"
2nd As I said earlier I'm difinitely the most "unorthordox flyfisher"
and tye some of the most terible looking flies that will scare most fish away.
My experience with fly rods:
Bought and used a St. Croix for 3days. To me "junk", somebody else may think they are the best. took it back to kittery trading post.
bought and used an Orvis western series "Wasn't for me" Took it back.
Bought an Orvis and liked it. It is what I use in fresh water.
Tried a few more rods for salt water and ended up buying a Sage. Almost bought a redington life time warranty too.
Pflueger reels They are ment for" FRESH WATER" $40.00 cheap they serve the purpose. 40.00 x6= 240.00= one good reel that will last allot longer when in salt water.
OH ! do have an old rod with no name .Probably an old Sears.
When I do my fresh water fishing I don't try to match the hatch anymore .To me a waste of time. I tye ugly #4 muddlers which seem to work for me. One fly does it all.
Oops !!! Post office is open have to go mail some flies
