Thesis...the fisherman is the most important piece of equipment when fishing. The most successful steelheaders I know PERSONALLY have never owned a spinning rig worth more than $100.00 (fly rigs approaching $200) I have noticed that many on this board put (undue?) import on the $300 sage or gloomis blank and a $200 reel. If you spend the time to learn the fish and the rivers, they will come. I don't slay the metalheads regularly and don't have expensive equip, so maybe I am looking for some direction. I know that the sled hasn't added to the catch ratio. IS A GRAND WORTH OF FISHING POLE AND REEL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD DAY AND A SKUNK ????????????????????????????