re: Need help picking a rod and reel for my dad's retirement present

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Chad504boy

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What issues have you had with Falcon custome service? I'm in the midst of dealing with them now.

I broke one in half due to stupidity and they told me to send a $30 check and they'll send a new rod.

Shimano Stradic 3000

Falcon or Shimano Teramar rod

Stradic 3000 FTW. The ci4 is nice my dad has one but it just doesn't give me that tingly feeling my stradics do. It just doesn't feel quite as smooth or substantial.

The older Stradic has help up to four years of abuse with bull reds giving it their all to tear it apart but it's still smooth as butter. The new model I have seems to be on track to do the same.

Also definitely get the 3000 over the 2500. It's the same frame weight and size but deeper spool.

As for the rod it might be a different recommendation but I have never felt a better balanced and all day fishable setup than my fenwick hmg 6'9 medium light power fast action rod paired with either of my stradics.

The medium light keeps catching trout fun but it has plenty backbone to pull in 37" bull reds. Haven't caught anything bigger than that on either of the poles but no doubt in my mind it can handle it. Plus the rods are geared or trout and slot reds anyway.

Reel is 200$ rod is 100$ Perfect for your budget.
Oh and I also broke a tip off my hmg and they told me to ship it back and they sent me a new one. So about 30$ to replace I thought that was fair.

I don't have recommendation on the rod, but congrats to your dad for his accomplishment. your retirement day is one that you work towards for your whole life and one that he will remember for the rest of his life. it is a true milestone.

Can attest to Cajun Custom Rods...they are awesome! However you would have to go cheaper on the reel. Shimano Saros can be had at $99 online from Cabela's. It's a $150 reel that is discontinued for the Ultegra. Great reel for $99 bucks, I have 2.