I've been using St Croix rods for the last several years. You can pick up a great used St Croix on fleabay for sub $200, most right around $125-150. I have a Legend, Avid, and Imperial in different weights. I really like them. A 9 foot, 5 wt is a great all around rod. For PA mountain brookie streams, a shorter rod makes sense. I just picked up a 7.5 ft, 4 wt for that exact purpose. I'd also look for a better quality 4-5-6 wt reel. Again fleabay can be your friend. I'm researching reels now and have looked at most under $250. You don't need a $4-500 reel for the type of fly fishing you'll be doing. In fact a decent $100 reel will work fine.
