Darren.

I'd suggest any one of the $79-100 rods out there in a ML or M and a Shimano/Daiwa/Pflueger reel that suits your fancy. I'm partial to Shimano... Bass Pro has their Spring Classic coming up soon, and they have sales on a number of rods, as well as trade-ins. If you bring an old rod and buy a $99 Carbonlite the deal drops it to about $65! A great rod for a great price! You'll also be able to put various reels on the rod you pick and see how they balance and feel in your hands.

I'd imagine a place like Bass Pro would allow it like @WRB said. I've taken reels to BPS and tested rods, but not cast with them. By tested I mean balance and such.

They're great rods. I have 2 of the newer models and one older. The new models are fantastic and I use them for bass fishing as well as pan...

And good 'ol Roger G-money gets to hand the trophy to Tom. Doubt any drama, but still irony is doggone ironic.

THANK YOU REDLINEROBERT!!! I'm NOT the only one to use this phrase to express stuff!! LOL. People look at me like #whaaaat? when ever I've said that!!! LOL.

And that's all she wrote! Congrats Tommy Boy. Now my Bills will rise and replace your Patriots as the Scourge of the AFC.

Are you kidding me?! That's a HAWG!! Congrats!

He's a freakish receiver, no doubt. Amazing catch.

Indeed. Still need 2 scores or a TD and a FG... And just like that, busted coverage....

Branch recovers fumble. More like Tree Trunk recovers fumble. Branch? Dude's a beast!

Soooo, what's the deal with the Pat's O line? You know, protect the GOAT? Geez doods. C'mon.

Still time left for Brady to mount greatest SB comeback of all time...but the grinding of the axles doesn't sound too good. See if they can right the ship in the 4th.

I'm a Shimano guy, too, but I also really like Daiwa. I'd have no problem looking at a Tatula.

We have to wait until HALOWEEN!!!!! for season 2?!?! This is gonna be a long spring/summer/early fall....

Never had it, next time I take my wife for an anniversary dinner we'll have to order some. Thanks for the tip!

Gaga's show was quite good. @roadwarrior, do you agree? I refer back to old posts, I was for Brady (even as a Bills fan) but once I saw the Falcons' play for the first time this year in the playoffs, doubts crept up like ... or down like Niagara Falls. Their offense is proving unstoppable thus far.

Well, Lady Gaga was great! At least I think she was...

Welp.... This isn't looking too pretty so far....

I'll take money so I can take my wife to Ruth Chris's again!! Only been 2x in my life. Dreamy steaks. Oh my I'm getting hungry...

Prime rib!! Now we're talking, Roger! Or any steak at Ruth's Cris!!

Used a lot of XL 8# in the clear/fluorescent blue and by gosh, I caught a lot of fish from bass to cats. Wonder what happened to those days... oh I know, copoly and fluorocarbons...hmmm.

Because I love the sport.

Sounds good, but fish just ain't something I like much of... Ingredients are great, but I'd rather it be in a pasta meal

Welcome aboard, Cody! You'll find this forum is even more amazing the longer you hang around

^^What @RoLo said Welcome to the forums, Wade! Stop by the Introductions sub forum and tell us a little about yourself and fishing awesomeness.