For those in the Portland area, if you go to the flyfisherman show, Tica is having a show special on their spey rods. They are normally $150 but for the show they are $99. They also have a spey rod bundled with one of the large arbor reels for about $170. I know nothing about the spey rod, so try it out in one of the casting pools before you buy. I have no affiliation with Tica. This wont benefit my aquaintance because these show specials always sell out, so get there fast!

Also, Fetha Styx also has a really awesome looking rod that retails for $159 that you should try out if you are going to the show. It has a woven graphite reel seat so all models can be used in the salt. I have no affiliation with Fetha Styx either, it will probably also be on special but I dont know the price, maybe $125? I have never tried out a fetha styx rod but from what I hear they rival Sage.

And no, I most definitely do not work for fetha styx.