most versatile heavy wt fly rod combo?

[R. Miller]

Just taking a break from the Super Bowl...dreaming of fly fishing. I have a 5 wt and 7 wt and I'm looking to get the most versatile heavier wt rod out there...maybe between a 9 and 12 wt? I will tell you I'd like to primarily use it for muskie and pike, and yes, Deadhead, maybe even try for carp! I just want some opinions on what would be best. My fiance and I are already planning our honeymoon for next winter, and I'm trying to go anywhere relaxing that offers good bonefishing! So, it'd probably be a rod I'd use for that, too. 10 wt maybe? Just looking for some thoughts. Thanks!

[Quickstrike]

I would get a 10 wt if you're going to do a lot of musky fishing with giant flies. It will also work for pike and your 7 will work for anything smaller. That's if you only want to go with one new rod. If money wasn't an issue I would get both an 8 and a 10. Then you'd be set! Let us know what you go with.

[DEADhead]

Looks like I missed this post, I think I was out of town. Muskellunge Mil, if you haven't made the purchase yet, here's my thoughts on the subject:

If you are going to go with one rod, get a fast action 9 wt. You can always overline it with 10 wt line for delivering those half-chicken muskie flies. A 9 wt will still have plenty of backbone for pike and muskies, and carp, but will be a little easier to cast than the 10 wt. If you can go with two rods, I'd suggest an 8 wt and 10 wt like quickstrike mentioned. Look at getting a 10' rod; the extra foot will help keep more line out of the water and get you a few extra feet casting. Sometimes it can be an issue in the wind, but more often than not, the benefits of the longer rod outweight the drawbacks.