[Bryan]

I have been fishing a few times now, caught a couple so far.
 Useing a 9`6ins abu garcia 6 to 7, I have a millwards 9` 5 weight cane that I like to look at and an old maco cane 7` that I dont know the weight .
 I have decided that getting a modern rod, may be a nice thing to do for my self, I have been looking, the choices are very varied and plentyfull.
 Thinking of spending no more than £180, and I will be fishing small trout fisheries, perhaps a small loch and if I get the chance an odd river as my experiance  and abilitys get better.
 I want this rod to be something that I will be able to use for a long time, not a stop gap that will be left behind after a year or so.
 Any advice would be of a great help, there is a million rods out there for sale, what would you do?

[Barry Robertson]

If it was me,
I would look for a second hand Sage XP 9ft 5wt as this is by far what i would regard as my most favourite small water rod and river rod!
Failling not being able to find one of those in that price range i would opt for the greys 9ft 5wt streamflex as i found it a great rod to cast also and it comes in at around £200 new.
I think overall your best to try at least 3 diff rods or as many as you can get your hands to pick a clear favourite as everyone is differant in what they like in a rod.

Here is a link for the greys
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GREYS-XF2-STREAMFLEX-FLY-ROD-9-5-Trout-Fishing-/150606365670?pt=UK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item2310d6c3e6

Sage Xp on ebay just now at a great price in a 4 piece
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GREYS-XF2-STREAMFLEX-FLY-ROD-9-5-Trout-Fishing-/150606365670?pt=UK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item2310d6c3e6

Same rod again in a 2 piece at a great price - i prefer the 2 piece over the 4 piece as for some reason i think its just that bit stiffer.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sage-590-XP-2-Piece-9-5-Weight-/330574544774?pt=UK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item4cf7c73f86