therealjohnkeel

Oh man, I checked-out the Zeebaas reels. Yup, conceptually, that's what I was looking for: built to last, owner maintainable and versatile. But wow... yikes... I think my wife would stab me in the neck if I bought even the cheapest model. It's looking like the Stradic might be more attainable, with less bloodshed. Thanks again, everyone.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

The "why are shimano fans so hardcore" discussion (http://www.bassresou...ns-so-hardcore/)-in particular the thoughts about the difference between modern equipment and the "built to last" stuff from decades ago-got me thinking about something: Is there such a thing as a modern, bulletproof, heirloom-quality spinning reel? I'm not the kind of guy who actually likes buying new equipment. I drive my cars into the ground and buy quality clothes and shoes and wear them until they fall-apart. I get my dress shoes restored and re-soled. I carry a Glock I just took up bass fishing this year and I would love to get a reel that I could maintain and keep for decades and give to my son. Anyone know of a modern make/model that would fit the bill. Price is a factor but, I'd be willing to go high-end for something that would last a lifetime. I would rather buy 1 $300 reel than 10 $30 reels. I would fully expect to have to adhere to proper maintenance. Does such a reel exist?

Thanks JF, that's what my dad suggested, as well. Appreciate all the input folks, thanks.

Righteous guys, thanks, that stuff looks cool. Only question now is which color

Hi folks. I just rediscovered fishing about a month ago. I'm been hitting the creek regularly with my daughter's little Shakespeare Microlight, catching panfish. I just purchased a new setup for myself - a Daiwa Spinmatic C 6'6" UL with a Shimano Sienna 1000. Now I need to put some line on it. I'll be stream fishing for panfish and smallmouth and I'll also be trying my hand at some ultralight bass fishing at the local ponds and lakes. I'm basically going to be using 1 rod/reel and 1 spool. So, what should I spool onto my real for maximum versatility and functionality? Line technology has progressed a lot since I was last into fishing, over 20 years ago. Mono, flouro, braid, nano, braid w/flouro leader, nano w/flour leader... I'll be honest, it's a bit overwhelming I like the idea of a the high strenght/diameter ratio of a nano or braid for when I'm fishing for bass. But everything I read suggests I need a leader of some sort to avoid spooking the fish. If that's a good idea, how long a leader should I use? How short do I let it get before I tie-on a new one? Super noob quesitons, I realize. Any advice would be much appreciated. -trjk

Greetings from Virginia. I fished a lot as a kid, nearly every weekend heading to local lakes or to the Potomac with my dad and sister. But, for the last 20 years I could have counted on one hand how many times I've been out. About a month ago, I took my son's cub scout den trout fishing. Nobody caught a fish but I caught the bug and now I'm obsessed. Since then I've been hitting the local stream for panfish at least three times a week, sometimes twice in the same day.