So I bought a new Stradic 2500FI and a Cardiff 200a and they just got delivered saturday night.  It rained sunday So I couldnt test them out, but I had a few hours free today to try 'em out.  I went the golf course pond near my house,  I wasn't really expecting to catch anything, since it was 40* and the water was just as cold.  I just wanted to get a feel for the new reels.  

After about an hour I had the reels tweeked and working properly.  I started out throwing a black/blue jig on the baitcaster and a t-rig senko on the stradic, with no luck.  Then I decided to try a rat-l-trap since it was kinda windy, and 15 min later I had my first bass of the year, 14in 1.4lb lmb and then about 15min later I had my first keeper a 15in 2.0lb lmb.  Unfortunately, he inhaled my trap and he got it bad in the gills.  He was bleeding really bad but he swam off.  I hope he makes but who knows.  

"Oops,...look what I caught" lol

Good luck with the new gear,...seems it works so far!!

yeah, it works great.  I took the stradic out today to the neighborhood pond and hung a nice 4.5lb lmb on a clown color husky jerk.  I think its gonna be a good year.

Now if only I could find my camera...