Darren.

Tipped my canoe by accident, kayaks on purpose. My canoe incident was with my eldest son in the front, me in the back, our electric trolling motor was out of the water (but mounted to the side). We were paddling through a tree-infested area (thanks to beavers). We got semi-stuck over a downed tree that was just under the water, but scooched along to get over it. Suddenly we both went to the wrong side and next thing we were in the water. Battery 3 feet below in the muck, trolling motor broke, crocs got stuck in the muck, but we got our rods and reels back. Lost some lures. Expensive part was my cellphone and $300 camera in my pockets. Soaked beyond repair. Lesson learned. I bought a kayak, LOL!

I've seen this a few times, but it usually corrects itself. Thought it was a site database issue, or corrupt cache in my browser. Haven't seen it in a while though.

Braid for mainline on all my reels, spinning gets 10lb, bait casting 20. Leaders for all anywhere from 6-15 lbs, and mostly P-Line Floroclear or Yo Zuri Hybrid, then pure fluoro.

Love this stuff. But it is not complete unless narrated by Morgan Freeman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxXf7AJZ73A

I can't speak for the FJ, but I can for the FI. I have 2 of them, the 1000 models. I love these reels; however, I'm not as big a fan of Shimanos bail. Now that I've tried the Daiwa Lexa 2000, I much prefer its bail as opposed to Shimanos. Not that Shimano's is bad. I just have one of the two Stradics with problems that I hope a reel repair shop can fix. Take it for what it's worth. Not much when comparing the FI to the FJ. I don't know that they use the same bail mechanism. You'll love the reel either way, and at the price you're looking at, I'd jump on it in a New York Minute.

Here in SE VA, weather has been decent, but I just haven't been out on the yak lately. Itching to hit the water again, but oddly, I'm patient this year. LOL. 3 out of 4 boys in travel soccer has made for a busy winter (indoor), and Spring practice began this week. Sooooo. I'll get out soon enough, and the dogwoods are a little ways out from blooming here (VA spawn indicator). And my Spring Classic flyer arrived today!! So I've got my wife's money to spend....

Mine's definitely mysterious... Darren is my middle name, but "main", but the M.... hmmmm. Just the initial of my last name. Enjoying responses so far. Some pretty interesting handles out there.

Welcome aboard, Jason!

Welcome aboard!

I have tried back-reeling, but it feels like trying to write calligraphy with my left hand...when I'm a righty. My drags work 100% fine, see no need to do otherwise. But that's me and what I'm comfy with.

Well, if you have up to $300, you have a LOT of options/brands. But FWIW, and I don't have this years' flyer for the Classic yet, but in years past, Shimano has been excluded from deals during the Classic. Other brands, as well, but just FYI. If I had $300 to spend on a spinning reel I, too, would look at Shimano and Daiwa. But for or $329 ($30 more), you've got the Sustain... whether it's worth that much more over the Stradic others can chime in. So I'd suggest the Stradic FJ, or the Daiwa Ballistic. Pflueger has its champions. I personally haven't liked the feel when I test the reels out in-store. I prefer the feel of Shimanos and Diawas in my hands. That's not to say others are not as good, just my preference. I also like the Lexa, but if money's not so much an object, go higher.

Welcome aboard!

Very sad for your loss A-Jay. My lab, Jake, is in his final years. Unquestionably the best dog we've owned....

Even better!! Thanks, guys.

Hoping mine arrives today. The Carbonlite is only $10 off, eh? I was (am) considering one this year, perhaps I've got an old rod I can trade in and get what, $5 or $10 more off it?

You can, 10lb is pretty darn strong stuff, and on a M rod, would work. But J Francho's comment on cover dictating your choice is spot-on. If you have a spare spool, put 15 or 20 on it so you can always swap it out when you want to throw the heavier stuff. I use 10 on all my spinning setups. It's my leader that I change out, from 6-15 lb test, and I've thrown some jigs I might shouldn't have, but I haven't broken the braid on a hook set yet.

Welcome aboard!

That bait looks awesome. Love how it swims. Now if I only threw swim baits...

Welcome aboard!

Wow, I can see some stuff starting to surface (BPS blogs, etc.) but nothing as far as deals. You're lucky to get an early peek!

As for length, that's a subjective choice (I happen to like shorter rods). But for what you indicate throwing, M/F or MH/F since you're throwing cranks, too. If just plastics and jigs, I'd go XF. 2500 is a great all-around size spinning reel. For me it's a 1000 - 2000 size. Again, it's all subjective. Just my .02.

Welcome aboard, Andy, and fellow Virginian! You'll get a ton of help on the forums, and you'll be back to fishin' shape in no time!

Welcome aboard, Jaysen!

Welcome aboard, Tom!

Welcome aboard, Mitch!