From Dean Gayther:

Older rods aren’t necessarily better fishing rods. Tested two “very old” rods against a newer, but still 10 yr. old, Guide Series rod from Gander.  Improvements in rod material give you greater feel for strikes and casting control.  Investing time and money in old antique rods may not pay off on the water.  Interested in what others experience has been.

Orange line. For old people like me, you can see your loops and back cast much better when your line glows.  I’d put a battery in mine, if it were available. 🙂

From the “Fly Fishing Hacks” book.  Wait until you reach your destination to assemble your gear.  I did a little bushwacking this spring. A strung fly rod can catch on about anything.  Amazing I ever reached the water!

Orvis Depth Charge (weighted) line review. Put a weighted fly on, cast, and a few seconds later you can jig off the bottom right over the side of the boat – if that is what you want to do :).  Great line and it sinks fast. 

From Robert Kohlmeyer:

What are the two fly rods to have if you can only have two? My answer is:
— A 9 ft 8 wt with medium fast action. This is an all purpose rod for the salt. It will handle everything from snappers to baby tarpon. You can overline it with a 9 wt line if you want to chase something bigger. It is also a good rod for big Western rivers where wind is always an issue and 20 inch–plus trout are always possible.
— An 8.5 ft 5 wt with medium to medium fast action. Without a bigger selection I would choose 8.5 ft over 9 ft because it will work better in a greater number of situations and on a greater variety of streams. A 9 ft rod on a tiny mountain creek with a brushy overhang is problematic. I used to put a 6 wt line on a 5 wt rod once in a while, but not in years. Personally, I like the challenge of underlining the fish I am targeting.

— What flies to have when you can only have two? That is a tough one without knowing where you will be fishing. Even the famous annual Jackson Hole one fly contest is held only on the Snake River. If I am fishing salt water I guess I would choose a Clouser Deep Minnow and a shrimp pattern.
For freshwater trout ( in mid-summer) I would select a Joe’s Hopper and pheasant tail nymph. I would also sneak in a wet fly like a hackled BWO without telling anyone.