New to Fly Fishing

[steelhead]

Whew. That's a big one! Some of it depends on how much you want to spend, but you know that already. I am finding/observing that the new very hi modulus (sp?) fast action rods are brittle. I saw several shatter while people were playing small schooolie size bass, especiall when the fight got up close. I have grown to like the less expensive rods that use one to three generation old graphite because it is more flexible and the rod is slower action, allowing me to load the rod and let it do the work of casting for me. I have several friends who have the lower line Reddingtons and love them for that reason. I've heard mixed reviews on Temple Fork, no personal experience. This past year, I discovered Heritage Flyrods. They are a great vaule/dollar ratio and come in great variety of lengths, weights and flexes. For striper fishing, a good medium flex 8 or 9 weight, 9 foot minimum dimension would be my suggestion. If you can find a 10'-6" rod, all the better, especially for the surf! I know Heritage has both of these rods in those weights and lengths (go to castlearms.com for info on these rods). One of my old favorites is an older 7 weight Orvis Silver label rod, medium flex. I hope I never break it.... Hope that has helped, a bit rambling. Must be the fumes from making plugs...