2 foot short baitcasting rod Entsport 2-Piece Casting Graphite Portable Baitcast Rod Inshore Fishing Rod Freshwater Baitcaster Rod Baitcaster (8-20-Pound Test) 7' Medium Heavy : Sports & Outdoors Dreamcatcher Carbonite rods combine advanced carbon technology and ergonomic design for unmatched comfort. Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris

Understand how each component contributes to the reels functionality

I asked them about the two biggest wildcard factors this time of the year: Sunlight and wind

I only use it for fresh water

In this video, I explain how I believe a carbon composite material body (like the Ballistic MQ) is better suited for open water scenarios like grass/mud flats, creek mouths, sandy pot holes, etc

You can get some really good combos out there, and if you are a little pickier, just buy the rod and reel separate so you can customize your setup

Improper Spool Tension and Brake System Adjustment The spool tension and brake system on most baitcasting reels have become so sophisticated that the fine tune adjustments can really make a difference