I shop the mom & pop stores too, just happens OE is closest to home. As to the reel counter guy, he can be a bit crankey but he always has given me good advice on rods & reels. Talked me into getting a low cost back-up bug rod that wound up saving my out of state trip. Thanked him upon my return with a handshake and a big smile,he lit up like he had just won the lotto! I imagine those days behind the counter can get long,so cut the guy some slack.