Ok...I just got started with the fly fishing thing. I have been a conventional tackle fisherman for some time.

Right now I have a 9' 7wt rod that is pretty basic. It fishes well for my purposes but I am looking to get a complimentary rod.

Most of the stream and river I plan to fish (trout) are up here in New England (Massachusetts and New Hampshire primarily).

What I have found when I go out fishing with the 9' 7wt is the streams I am fishing have lots of overhead cover and limited casting space. Originally I was thinking of dropping to a 8'6" 5wt. But I am wondering if going shorter and lighter is in order.

What are people's thoughts? Also I am looking to be a little on the cheap side. Maybe $150 for the whole combo. So any suggestions for particualr models will be welcome as well.