Those are all good suggestions, but might not fit this situation. I
guess I should share a little more info.

The intended recipients are my daughters. A talented guide who is a
close friend, and I, have been their instructors over an 8-year
period. They each have several backcountry trips under their belts.
Virtually all of their fishing has been with me in tow.

At this point I am reasonably sure they will continue flyfishing after
they graduate and move on. So I think it's safe to spend a few
dollars to send them off with their own equipment.

It's been many years since I shopped for a decent rod, so I am a
little out of touch with the current options.

Thanks for your comments.

Jim


Hmmm...I thought it might be something like that, though I had assumed
that you were probably trying to give a good present to sons or
grandsons. No reason why one should not do the same for daughters or
granddaughters of course, but it is nor often the case.

Given the circumstances, I would extend RW´s suggestion, buy three kits,
and assemble them together. That way you get to spend quality time on
the project, with a lasting effect, and you will end up with better rods
in that price class.

It is not really that difficult to build a rod form a good kit, all you
need is care and attention to detail, and initially a good source of
information nand instruction.

As the quality of most modern rods depnds largely on the quality of the
fittings, you have a large range of suitable blanks to choose from. If
you choose the very best fitting, and quality balnks like Sage, you
still have a warranty, a better rod than the "standard" factory rod,
tailored to your taste, and you still possibly save some money. It does
not take that long either.

You might find this of interest;

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/

there are a number of other such "courses" on the web, but that is a
good and comprehensive course.

here is another source of suh information. Best top read as much as you
can before you start;

http://globalflyfisher.com/find/?que...+build&submit=

People have a different attitude to things they have built themselves, (
bit like the satisfaction of fly-dressing etc), and they will treasure
such gifts all the more if they are also a reminder of quality family time.

TL
MC