My first good rod was a Fenwick Fenglass 7.5' rod with #6 line.. I still have it and a host of other Fenglass rods.. They are still my first choice for fly fishing.. I have had Fenwick, Scott, Orvis, & a host of other rods made from newer materials.. I have stored them in my attic, for what I do those old rods work fine.. My biggest expense there days is buying flies.. But I have more than enough for my life time and then some. Like Buffy, I seldom fish much these days.. The local lake has a problem with a plants that can bloom and kill me and my dogs.. I don't go near it.. I stream fish a couple days in the mountains.. That used to be peaceful and pretty much deserted.. Since the greenies have found it, I fish a couple times in June and pretty my forget it.. Shooting is easier and more enjoyable..
