good news!! didn't have to go to woodland, just down the street to the boaters world where i bought it and after purchasing an extended warranty for $10 they replaced it on the spot..would have cost me ten bucks in gas not to mention the drive time to go to lamiglas...big thumbs up to boaters world and lamiglas, they will see more business from me...i thought my new rod was cursed at first...my buddy(who's not the greatest angler) hooked a few and i didn't touch a thing but after a few changes in location, i ended up bringing home 3 chrome hen chummies.