Same deal here. $200 for a 6' St Croix and Quantum reel. From that point forward it was all top end rods and reels for me.basscatsncarp said:$328.21 Quantum PT baitcast reel, and 7FT rod.
Three years later I remember down to the pennies because it changed the world of fishing to me. Good equipement makes all the difference in the world.