I like backpacking fishing trips. Around my neck of the woods, there are some far off places with monster fish in them simply because they don't get fished that much. I like both fly fishing and spinning rods. A few rods I have tried and liked:

Eagle Claw 5 piece fly/spinning rod
ww griggs 3wt fly rod (2 piece) also the best bang for your buck around $30
Sage FLi or Launch 4 piece fly rod (a little pricey but well worth the investment)
any TFO rods are good for the money
Bass Pro Shops micro-light series 2-piece

or you can find a local outfitter and take some rod building classes and build your own rod fairly easily and cheaper. I personally own a Sage FLi 5wt 4-piece and it is my favorite rod to date. The rod/reel only weighs 10 oz, but the rod tube weighs at least a pound. I haven't built a rod yet, but I would really like too. Just have to convince my wife I need another fishing pole.

Doug