Just finished reading most of the comments. Almost all of you guys fish with a loomis or lamiglas rod and use a shimanno or garcia reel. looks like we all agree on what to spend on rods and reels. I would agree that rod prices are out of control, I don't think most people can tell the difference when you get up past the $150-$200 range, you just need something that suits your style. Reels are a different story, a cabelas or shakespeare reel are going to be in pieces after landing 100 or 200 salmon. you might not think you'll catch that many, but if you fish hard you will before long. I hate replacing gear, I look at it as a one time investment, and it better stand the punishment for what I pay, if it doesn't the company usually replaces or repairs it. I still use my grandfathers fly reels, but a good solid smooth drag system on a fly reel for a 30 pound fish is the difference between landing it and losing it