JZ,

I've got a Cortland and a St. Croix 9wt rods. Both were under $100 and I've caught some VERY big fish on those rods (salmon over 30lbs). For the money I would advise you on a Cortland endurance rod and reel. I haven't fished with the reel yet, but I have handled a few and they seem to be a very good deal for the money. You'll have to save up a little more money, but not much more and you'll have a rod and reel combo that you'll be able to fish with for years and years.

I've been fly fishing for almost 20 years and still haven't been able to take a pike on the fly, so please let us know when you do, and I'd love to see some pictures too.

I hope this helps you make a difficult descision.

Thunderthumbs.