Thanks to all of you who helped me get started fly fishing this
Spring. Now, after my first Spring and Summer of fishing, I'm back
here needing some more advice.

I live in Central Illinois so 90% of my fishing has been for panfish
and bass on ponds and lakes. Mostly small ponds and lakes that I can
wade. I may try canoe fishing next year too, on these same waters. I
do get away for trout fishing once a year on vacation though (next
year I'm going to Taneycomo for a week for Browns and
Rainbows.....this Summer I was in Canada with 3-5 pound Rainbows).

I'm a family-guy on a tight budget, so I started out with a Cabella's
Three Forks 6wt rod with Cortland 444 Classic Peach WF6 Floating
line. I know it's a KPOC, but it was all I could afford. I caught a
ton of fish on it this year though. I took a class and learned to tie
my own flies, and 90% of the flies I fish with are my own (often ugly)
flies size 6-12. I fish mostly nymphs, streamers (weighted or with
bead heads), and terrestrials. While I like catching the pan fish, I
most enjoy catching bass. They are a real thrill on a fly rod. I
don't plan on fishing big size hooks for bass, as I've done fine
around here with #6 hooks for bass, and bigger didn't seem to improve
my catches. Sometimes I was frustrated this year trying to fish on
windy days with my rig, but maybe it was me and not the equipment.

I think Santa is going to bring me a 2nd fly outfit this Christmas.
I'm working hard to be on Santa's "good" list (my wife) and dropping
hints already :-) What would you recommend that I consider for a 2nd
fly rod/reel that is a step up from the KPOC, but still affordable
(something around $300)? I might add here that I'm REALLY satisfied
with the Prestige Plus reel that came with the KPOC -- I've landed
some big bass, and one monster carp without feeling I needed anything
better than the Prestige Plus reel. I would like to put my money in a
nice rod.

Also, what size rod/reel would you think I should go with?