Thanks for the detailed comments Mike-- I really appreciate it, and I
enjoyed reading it as well.

Richard Lee Merritt.

"Mike Makela" ten.tsacmoc@alekamm wrote in message
...

"Richard Lee Merritt" wrote in message
news:%BnAf.1345$zh2.1059@trnddc01...
POLL:
I am curious what your favorite fly rod is? ...

Sage 590 RPL 2 piece. Although I have since bought a fews rods that negat
my use of that first great sage rod, I will never part with it. Will
make for a good rod for the boys to break in on. Great all around rod,
not in the same class as the SP for line control, but got the job done for
10 + years of constant use. Made the great leap in understanding the
difference better equipment can make and then the SP matched that leap,
two fold, years later. Still a proponent that you don't need the best
equipment to be the best fisherman, but it can help reduce the work you
need to exert, having a perfectly matched rod.

What are you fishin' with these days?

When the conditions are right, Thomas and Thomas Paradigm 8 foot 3 weight
two piece. For me, the smoothest tool possible for a cast that's hard on
a rod. Enough backbone to land 19-20 inch fish w/light tippet, but
light, and delicate, enough to cast all but the very micro sized flies.

I have too admit both the SP and Paradigm are a bit overpriced for me
right out of the store. If you've got the cash to throw around, they're
guaranteed to thrill, but was able to pick up both of them a few years ago
for a very modest price by using the greatest idea of the 21st century
thus far, EBay, or I still may be casting nymphs with that old RPL.

The Finn