I know everyone started out as a newbie, but I've been debating whether to get a new rod or not. I have a decent beginner Cortland rod and am fairly satisfied with it. But what I'm wondering was, why did you decide to get a better rod? Was it because there was a "marketing" pressure to get the best rod out there? Was it because of the performance difference? Was it because you had the money to? When did you know it was time to get a new rod?

As you can tell I'm in a bind...wanting to get something different, but debating as to whether it would still be the same...would I always want the best.... "Curses to my jealous, envious, sinful self...Curses!"