Thanks everyone for the advice, opinion, and your personal expectations. I really appreciate it, and gives me an idea how to move forward.

He is a licensed / insured guide in Michigan. He's also connected to a lodge / fly shop. However, I'm going to omit the lodge's name because the individual's failure is in no way representative of the lodge's amazing hospitality.

I know UPS has started an inquiry into the matter, but I think we're all realists here. The rod is gone. I'll follow up with the lodge next week and set an expectation for full reimbursement of the rod once UPS closes their investigation.

Of course, I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks again.