Newbie questions -- after my 1st season of fishing

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?