+1


There are plenty of better reels out there. Check out some of the Center Pin forums in the Midwest and the East Coast. There are usually some good deals on high end reels in their classified sections if you are willing to search for them.

I use a 13 foot rod the majority of the time and the only time I don't like it is when I am fishing small, bushy streams.

If you are serious about getting into it, buy the best quality you can afford. You will never regret it in the long run.