Been kind of still water here for a wail. So; how does the financial crisis effect your plans when it comes to gear. Wait for discounted prices from companies at the edge of being ruined? Wait until it blows over and then buy some more than intended? Or any other alternative?

I consider building my last rod and though I´m interested in Winston´s MX line of rods I will probably go for a Sage TCX blank 14´#9-10. Then build it as well as my experiences and skill dictates.

"Your last rod, heard that before" my friends will tell me. But sooner or later it´s my last one. No need to exaggerate....in the long run!

Financially, I am just about as well off as I was a couple years ago: broke.

Every time I go out, I say a little prayer that I don't lose or break anything too expensive, cause I know and understand that it will end up being replaced on a credit card and I am in no place to be buying more things on credit..... but I have to fish, so that's the way it is.

I bought 4 new rods last year. For '09, there aren't any new products that scream "buy me" for my fishing needs. The Sage TCX is a fine casting rod, but I have all my rod niches covered. If I am going to get anything new, it will be a line for my 5 weight since that line is pushing around 100 fishing days.

AB

I think it´s time for me to redefine the word need. Do I need some more rods? It depends on the concept of "need". We have a project aiming at reintroducing trout in a small stream not so far away from where I live. We fish sparsely on a C&R basis. I now use a Winston LT5 8´3" # 4 rod with a Rio Gold WF5 line and this is a great combination for the often rather short casts being delivered. But the problem is that the terrain is far from friendly to the relatively long rod I am using. Other members of our small club are using 6´or 6.5´rods which seems to be more convenient. Thus; do I need a shorter rod? I´m not going to build a rod out of an expensive blank for sure. But is it wise to trade the good casting properties of my current set-up for some convenience?

My second example is the four two-handed rods that I own. Being curious of the the new offerings in the never ending "improvements" in rod technology I can think of getting a faster rod so I can cast a couple of feet further but is this of any significance when it comes to fishing? Maybe if I fish the large river that is the nearest water where salmon and sea trout could be caught. Maybe it´s a bit prestigious to be able to make these long casts and as I aim at becoming a certified instructor I hope some people will think I´m casting quite well (this doesn´t apply to each and every cast though ) I can manage most situations with what I already own when it comes to the two-handed rods but in addition there is the subject of motivation. To improve I have to practice a lot and on a chilly day it can be a question of motivation to do it. Having some rods to chose from is fun to me!

Just bought a short blank on sale from Mudhole. I needed it!

I agree with everything stated above, I NEED a new 3 weight rod, it is neccasary. I primarly fish for trout, but I like to fish for everything.

Sad news...

http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2008/12...bihjajcfbgi.txt

that is sad. Winston is a good rod company

Crisis? The best thing I did was turn off my TV. Burying my head in the sand has been bliss. Like others have said, I really don't have any choice, because I gotta fish.
Very sad news about Winston. Hopefully things change for the better sooner than later.

Selfishly, I hope I win the lottery and pick up tons of fresh gear at uber cheap prices.
yeah... that's the ticket.