"Versitile" That's why I bought it Saltheart, John and MikeP reccomended it.
As far as it being long and hitting the bushes, well you could use a shorter drop or build a higher pedastal
That must've been a good price on the blank!
In the meantime you can try mine out anytime, it's even spooled with your favorite line and reel. I'll be down Fri night maybe, at the Sag.