I've been fly fishing for over 50 years and need to be brought up to speed. Having used bamboo, fiberglass and modestly priced graphite I am at a loss when trying to justify the price of the premium graphite models. The difference in the quality of fittings and workmanship I can understand but when it comes up to actual performance differences I come up short. A popular phrase used is, "You haven't lived until you tried a good rod." (or something like that). Can someone explain to me what is going on beyond marketing bull.
At a local sales event, by Sage, I tried one of their premium rods after being set up with an assortment of sensors and was told that I did well but needed some improvement in a couple areas. This was nice to know but I could have cast just as well with a $100 rod from Cabela's. What is the real story? Thanks.