Luke -

It seems to me that if you are debating whether or not you can afford that fly rod, you really CAN'T afford it.

Pay off that debt you mentioned first (how much interest are you paying on that credit card?, for example), and get those new tires to replace your bald ones, before buying a new fly rod.

You'll be a LOT better off, and feel better about it, in the end. There will be more chances to get a good deal on that fly rod (or one like it) in the future when you are better able to afford it.

John

P.S. Why pay for this excellent financial advice, when you can get it here for free?