Does Cabelas make it, or just mark up a rod made by someone else? I don't think they make it. What action are the rods?

I have to also make this observation about the rods I see on the market today. There is not much junk out there. The consumer is much more informed. Sloppy, poor performing rods don't sell, and go back a few years, and they had a lot of glass in them that made them sloppy. Not so today. A rod around $100 is generally a good rod, and often they will give you an across the counter guarantee rather than the time delay, and the expense of having an expensive rod replaced. A lot of it is about the action, and that can be personal according to your stroke. Few, want to talk about the action of the rod. I contacted the guy that originated the article about the expensive Sage Rod..THE ONE, that is supposed to cast so accurately. I asked him what the action was, and he said, "try it, it is very responsive" My thought is, "responsive for who?" And to many, owning an expensive rod is proud ownership. I drive a Hyundai, but sure would like to own a Porche.

The way I see it, is..early on !M6 graphite made a good action rod. As the graphite matting increased in modulus allowing for a slightly lighter rod, and a stronger rod per wt. making for a quicker recovery rod there is a difference. It is negligible to most, and the cost is quite higher in part because the advanced graphite matting is considerably more expensive. Then they dress them up with more expensive hardware, and the person wanting such a rod is willing to pay the xtra price. Now, they are even using expensive epoxy in the high end rods. But, as you say, the hardware is quite acceptable, and the IM6 graphite makes for a very functional rod. I have a number of !M-6 graphites, and like them for their casting quality. I see creating a good taper as being quite easy with the computerized machines. And when you talk about "balance? That changes with the reel you put on the rod, and even the line.

buckhunter..sounds fun, wish I had your energy. I've steelheaded many a day, so that trophy hunting mentality appeals to me, and I don't lose interest because I haven't had a strike for awhile. Here on the SF, there are fly guys that will take vacation time, and camp out in the canyon, and fish off the gravel bars scheduling their fishing time when the moon is out. Browns chase minnows/bait fish into the shallows. This Summer, out here, because of the high water/standing water, you need good mosquito spray after the sun goes down especially.

Good idea. Had very little moon the first night and did OK but the second night we had plenty of moon and slayed them. Not sure if it was the moon or not. Deer hair mice make a lot of noise moving through the water. The only reason I quit at midnight was because my buddy was asleep on the river bank.