Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite rod... no reel yet...sigh

[Mike Carey]

I bought this rod reel combo last week, got the rod, but reel hasn't arrived yet:

CarbonLite Rod/Reel combo

I did rig up a spare reel and did a few casts. I was impressed at how light the rod is, and how far I was casting a pretty light spinnerblade with a crappy reel attached.

One thing that caught me by surprise is the guides are so micro-small. I wasn't expecting them to be this small on a casting rod. I thought, "what the heck is this?" But, the line flows though very nicely. The rod is super light and fast-tipped. I got a MH rod, I like some power in the backbone.

I'm taking it out for a test run tomorrow. I hope to hook into some fish to give a follow-up report.

[deepbuzzer]

Mike,
All of my Kistler rods have micro guides. They serve two purposes, 1, no excessive line slap while casting, increases distance casting, 2. sensitivity is out of this world.

[Mike Carey]

spooled up my new Carbonlite reel with 20 pound Power Pro, matched up with the new rod.

I fished mainly jigs, 1/2 oz and 3/8 oz (I believe, maybe it was 3/8 and 1/4). Very pleased overall with the smooth action and retrieve. Casts the smaller jig better than I could have hoped. Some more fine tuning and it should be even better.

Just one birds nest, user error.

One thing I wasn't used to - the rod/reel are SO light that it felt kinda weird and not right. I'm sure I'll get used to it. :-)

No fish caught so can't give feedback on that aspect, but I'm betting it will be fun. :bball: