I'd have to agree with everyone else. Expensive rods are overrated.... that said, I have 13, 7 of them are sages. I build my own, a fairly easy task which I highly recommend! Cuts you rod costs nearly in half, and you can build them way better than factory! On the other hand, building them is addictive. Thats how you end up with 13 of them.... always trying to build one better. My next will be a rainshadow. They make a nice blank! Also, it sounds like you have a great line. Remember, lines catch the fish, not so much the fly you choose. Use a standard proven pattern, and get it fished at the right level and you'll have success.