Skunked in DR

Congratulations!!

Never caught a pike on a wacky rigged senko. On the other hand a T-rigged senko is a great pike bait.

Reel 9/10 love my Stradics, have at least 3 Rod 8/10 really like them, just like my Dobyns better Line - won't comment, let's say its not my favourite Legend Elite 7' MH Chronarch Mg51 Sufix 832 30lb with Flouro leader jigs and t-rigs

I use a Flambeau Bazuka or Bazuka Pro, can't remember which. Anyhoo, it fits rods up to about 85 inches with ease. I mount it to the roof racks on my car, has made transportation a breeze. One tip, I find it much easier to load the rods backwards, ie handles in first.

Believe that was Frank Sinatra

Shimano Sustain FE2500 which is on clearance in many retailers in that price range.

That's a great rod for a great deal. I use mine for the exact uses you are talking about. Occasionally I wish I had bought the 703. Someday maybe I'll have both.

I'd be glad to help.

Other options would be Shimano Crucial or for a bit more than 200 the Dobyns Champion series. Most importantly try the rod, preferably with the reel you plan on using, personal comfort is not to be underrated.

If Dozer or Burley shows up too, I'm buying a lottery ticket.

I'm not seeing a price anywhere. What's the expected cost for a 300yd spool?

Clearly someone learned from Lorena Bobbit's mistake

There is now a huge hole in the Shimano line-up. Nothing (that I can see) from the Chronarch at 199 to the Core at 349. Wonder if they're planning to bring out a new reel in the next year in the 250-300 price range.

Been a few years, but the best SM fishing in that area was on Biggar Lake (2 short portages in from North Tea). North Tea was tough to fish as its open and when the wind's blowing it can be a tough paddle. I was a lot less experienced then but in-line spinners and floatign rapalas were both very good.

150 for very good/excellent condition is a really good price. I'm always on the look out for more 51mgs and have seen them go everywhere from 225 for BNIB to 135 for well-used, well-cared for (7/10 cosmetic, 9/10 mechanical).