Alright.. My .02

I feel kind of funny saying this, but it's true.. I hang out a lot in Swains and R&R marine in PA. In doing so, and also having been blessed with the gift of gab, I have turned many people in the right direction as far as gear, tackle, etc. I still see people on the river that come up to me and THANK ME.. Kinda funny actually.. What I'm getting at, is that I always suggest using a less expensive rod to begin with. I feel that as long as you learn how to fish with a low end, cheaper rod, then you will be able to fish with ANYTHING you touch. Period. That's how I learned, and I have a lot of people tell me the same. Plus, you are getting your foot in the door without spending a bunch, just in case steelheading isn't (FOR SOME STRANGE REASON) your thing... You aren't out a whole lot!

Tom