If the rod truly meant that much to me, I'd sell some of my existing things to raise the funds to buy it. Most flyfishers (and any type sportsman for that matter) have things of value that they don't really use and could part with. I've sold numerous things here, on other sites, ebay, locally, etc and so I keep a balance in paypal for when deals come up. Even Home Depot takes Paypal now.

It is commendable you're able to not scratch the itch though.