Brian they fly expo may be your best bet for a decent rod at a reasonable price there will be a lot of different retailers there and they usually have discounted the item for the expo .

I am sure you will have fun at the expo and learn many things. I plan on attending the great waters fly expo here in Mn win it comes in April. It is always a good time and learning experience.

I am looking forward to it and its cheap, only a dollar to get in. alot better than the outdoors expo I attended last weekend and paid 12 bucks each for me and my wife.

Brian

I would highly recommend a TFO. I have been told terrific things about them. Numerous guides on the Henry's fork have said they are the best rod for the money. Lefty Kreh designs them...how can you go wrong right.

Not sure that falls with in his budget ,but yes they are the best rods for the money . I own a 9 weight signature series .

hey I just read somewere from a survey that out of all those surveyed on fly fishing gear that the TFO rods where highest as far as total purcheses. it did not mention what model. I am actually looking pretty closely at them and am keeping an eye on Cabelas bargain cave. Just wish my dang money would come.

Brian

Brian the lefty cure signature series is a great rod .All of the temple fork rods are god rods which ever way you go you won't be disappointed with a TFO rod .Please remember to take warranty's in to consideration too when buying a rod.

Okumah makes a good fly real for the money too .

Last year I did the same thing.  After lots of study of different brands, I bought a Lefty Kreh TFO trout rod.  I bought this because it is great quality for a cheaper price and GUARANTEED FOR LIFE!  Many other brands have some warranty or no warranty, and for the cost of these rods, I wanted a good warranty.  The TFO warranty is so good, that you can run over it with the truck and they will replace or fix the rod.  TFO, unfortunately, are made in North Korea, but that's the only way to get a rod for cheaper.  I have used it for a year and love it, also knowing that if I break it, they will fix it!