[FishinMatt]

Phil, I really do believe you get what you pay for in the rod and reel department. If this is going to be your primary rod I would put the best reel on that you could afford. Any of the high end Shimanos like the Symetre are good in my opinion, but there are many to choose from. You will certainly appreciate a high end reel when you hook that fish of a lifetime.

 

[FishinMatt]

Shimanos are the best and their customer service is first class. I am sure you will happy with it. I recently had the bail assembly on one of my Symetres snap and they had a replacement part out to me in a couple days free of charge. This is without a warranty too. Good luck with your new toy :wink: