I was tasked (I'm under out CEO's microscope on this one) with putting together a party for my boss who retired after a very long career with our company. I wasn't given much notice and will miss TCTFF because of it. I know he's an avid freshwater fisherman. He's got a small boat and fishes ponds, lakes, and resovoirs for bass perch, pickeral, what have you. I have to put together a rod and reel combo. I gather from conversations we've had in the past he uses medium-light tackle.
So here's my dilemma, I have about $500.00 to spend. If you did, what medium-light rod and what reel would you match up with it? I'm not as familiar with freshwater fishing, and don't know about you guys, but at that dollar amount the field really opens up, and I want him to feel honored by the gift.

Get him a gift certificate from one of the fine sponsors that support this site.

I would say if he is a conventional fisherman:
Maybe a nice lami freshwater rod and a high end Abu-reel?

I'm thinking St. Croix / Shimano.

Ask Mike at CC.

Excellent suggestions. I appreciate one and all. I had thought if we have $500.00 to spend why not get a Cabela's Gift Certificate. We're not far from the Hamburg, PA store and the guy loves the place. But nooooooo. The big cheese holding the purse strings is being a pia about this, trying to organize the purchase of a retirement keepsake like a business transaction.
I decided to come as close as I could to what I had to spend and found the Shimano Sustain had an excellent writeup, and there's some high end Fenwick and St Croix rods in stock at a sportsmen's center not too far, that some other folks I talked to said would make a nice combo.

A Loomis rod would be nice.......

I agree with the Gift Certificate. It is very hard to give rod or reel that you THINK he would like. The rod or reel could be the very best on the market, but, if he dosen't like it, it could be the biggest piece of junk to him. Its a very tricky situation.

gift certificate wiouod be a safe bet.

Since he's on his way out though, you can take a chance


loonmis matched with a stradic would be a real nice set up

If it were me I would be tickled pink with a Quantum Energy or any good shimano strapped to a St. Croix Avid series in about six and a half feet is perfect. I have one in the Premier series which is a step down from the Avid but the St. Criox is my favorite rod bar none....fresh and salt combined! This only brings the tally to about $300 or so though. Loomis is a great rod too. I dont own one because I am a poor sap but have tried a friends and really liked the feel.

Or just get him a Stella and theres your $500.00!;)

How bout a trip with a local freshwater guide.

If he likes fishing med. & light tackle, I would suggest you get spinning gear. Thats probably what he's using.

How bout a trip with a local freshwater guide.


This would be my vote as well.

I think a rod and reel is a great gift idea -- $300 -> up

with a gift certificate included for him to

select his own lures / tackle to go with it....

see if the PIA "Patron" (boss in espanol)

will go for that????

or make a deal with Cabela's for him to
exchange the unused rod and reel for
some fishing gear more to his liking
later on..... but keep that part hush hush....

ps or grab a cabela's catalog and show the
purse strings pia boss
how many choices there is !!!!

Loomis

Jimbo, sorry to hear you aren't going to make it this year. It won't be the same without you.