If I were starting over or could only have one rod, I would get a 8 - 8'6" graphite 5 wt. and a reel with a decent disk drag system on it. I would also like a reel with enough line capacity to add a couple of 100 yds. of backing and hope someday I will need it. I would get a decent weight forward line and being only partially seduced by furled leaders I would get a good tapered leader and some 2#, 4# & 6# tippet material (I don't understand X's that well).