Thanks so far, G Loomis sounds good, I think I'll build one to keep costs down and for the fun of it. My dad is definitely not a begginer, he just hasn't been at it in a long while. He used to flyfish for steelies, but he can't now due to shoulder injuries. We both want something of excellent quality, I recently purchased the Shimano Stradic ($115) what a great reel. Hey RT I know you got about 20 cents to pitch in, just try to keep it under 5 pages . Keep you input coming.

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