I happen to use three brands of rods: Sage, G. Loomis and Scott. Not for religious matters, but because I happened to stumble across these brands first, helped sometimes by my angling friends.

I discovered the Washington state brand when I bought my first real serious fly rod, a 9-foot 6-weight RPL, two-piece. What a lovely rod! It has landed me many a fish, from Europe to America, from Argentina to Iceland. Its cork handle has seen its share of fish scales, and slime, and could need a replacement... but the rod would loose its soul! I still have it at home, but unfortunately my newer 4-piece rods have been the choice most of the time these last years, for travel comfort reasons.

My latest purchase is a G. Loomis CrossCurrent GLX for saltwater fishing. What a powerhouse! G. Loomis rods are famous for a reason, and I have been charmed too. Sure I will buy other Loomis rods in the future! Their Spey models have been designed with the help of Ed Ward. One good reason to go with a Loomis Spey rod.

When it comes to Spey rod, I am a fan of the Scott models. The Colorado-based company makes rods that fit my style best. Again, no voodoo involved. I have had the opportunity to test fellow anglers' rods, but have always returned to my Scott ones. My work horse is my first Spey rod ever, a SAS 14-foot. It is a stiff model, quite rough, which is able to quick out the most heavy Intruders when used Skagit style! I have landed most memorable fish with this rod!

Here is a list of the rods that normally sleep under my bed (with my wife's blessing):

• 5-weight 9-foot 4-piece Sage XP(590-4)
• 6 weight 9-foot 2-piece Sage RPL (690)
• 6 weight 9-foot4-piece Sage TCR (690-4)
• 8 weight 9.6 foot 4-piece Scott STS (958/4)
• 10 weight 9 foot 4-piece G. Loomis CrossCurrent GLX
• 9 weight 14 foot 3-piece Scott SAS (1409/3)