Nole Basser

Academy has 3.75 inch Rage Swimmers for $4.12 a pack. 24% off their normal price and a lot less than Dick's and Basspro

I have the Deputy, Toadface and Dragger rods from ALX. I think they are awesome rods. I was like you, my first few rods were $100 rods and while they caught fish i wanted to try a higher end rod without breaking the bank. I can really tell a difference between my previous rods and these. They just have such a crisper and more sensitive feel to them. Cabelas had started carrying them. So if you happen to have one close, you might want to stop by and pick one up. I didn't have that luxury so thankfully after reading all the same reviews that you have read, I took a chance on one. I couldn't be happier. Hope this helps. Oh, and I'm getting the Dream model you're talking about soon. Steve

Bass Pro here in town has 150yd spools of 40 and 50# Smackdown for $12.88. Got 2 spool of 50lbs to try out.

Welcome. I'm from Melbourne too. Nice knowing there are more of us around here.

Might as well start contributing. Academy sports has FC Sniper for 15 bucks a 200yd spool. Looks they they are clearanced at $21 but scanned at the price scanner and came up $15 and change

Gander mountain has $20 off $100 or more purchase. Plus any rod over $100 you get a mail in rebate for $20 gift card there. Might be worth doing a few different transactions to get the most out of it.

I just bought a pair. Go thru your optometrist if they deal in Costas. They will order them for you. On the pricey side but worth it if you need perscription sunglasses. I went with the copper lenses too for dual purpose. Plus i don't like the mirrored look. Steve