Steve, you wondered why women weren't answering. So here's an answer from a woman:

Your wife might do best to do her own research, talk to people, cast some rods, and choose one all on her own. At least if I were your wife, I would want that. Gift certificate seems like a great idea to me.

That said, I'm happy for you that you have a partner who wants to fly fish. Oh, and I use a Reddington RedStart rod as well as a homemade smaller rod. The redstart purchase was made with an eye only to budget, no thought about my X chromosome. The other rod was made by someone before he ever met me and, again, no thought to whether it would best suit a man or a woman.

And.. finally, to your wife: Tight Lines!!

Diane

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Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming-WOW---What A Ride!