Fred Hall: Deals on Gear?

[dbarnett66]

I have exhausted my budget from the sale of my woodworking tools to buy my kayak and most of the accessories. I am still recovering from the Christmas hangover and won't have money to spend on waders, rods, tackle, etc.

I plan on buying a VHF radio and some other minor kayak accessories through OEX, but the rest of the fishing gear will most likely come from tackle shops. I purchased 3 Sealine Series 50H reels for $15 bucks each and I am currently rebuilding them from the ground up to work like new. I almost picked up 2 "Pro-Sabre" rods today at Big 5 on sale.....but those voices from the forums kept telling me to leave them on the rack and buy used quality rods.

So here comes the question. I think I can save $150 cash for two rods by March when the Fred Hall show comes along. Can I buy two rods that are better quality than the cheap stuff from Big 5 at the show? I am hesitant to buy used since the only rod I ever bought used a few years ago broke the first time I caught a fish with it.

I just have to build my kayak cart and get some waders and I should be ready for the maiden voyage. I will fish the local lakes until I can spend the money on the salt water rods.

Thanks in advance.

Danodog