Thank you so much fellow anglers for the feed back. I have gone for the Okuma Solaris 14' 6 three piece rod and Axeon 90 reel.My old Kilwell state of the art glass rod (at the time) and Mitchells 499 have served me well, but I have to move with the times. They are like almost 30 years old.
I have sourced a good deal and the combo is ordered. May it make me content. It was as you will all, well, know some big bucks. But a lot cheaper than a boat. About $420.00 spooled up. Maybe there are cheaper deals, but I just got sick of looking all over the net. I can live with that price. I particually like the guarantee, five on the reel and one on the rod. And I can live with that. They will spool with 15lb, but I will spool the spare with a lot lower. As my confidence regrows in light line. As I am pendulem man now I have some learning curves to tackle. I will be in Nelson tomorow and will pick up some tapered shock leaders, 60 lb to 15lb will do for starters.
I tallied up tonite and with the kite fishing rig and this lot not a lot of change outa $1000.00.
But I am a retired bloke, okay I will fess up. An ex copper, got out as I refused to write traffic tickets. Had 33 years in. They used to call me firm but fair and with a heart of gold. Gave lots of breaks to many who kinda got themselves in the poo, but were just growing up. And gave many breaks to repeat offenders. I saw some truely great turnarounds there giving them a bit of slack line. Guess I was a catch and release man. Go away and grow up. And then if I caught them again later in life, it was I'll tag you and keep my eye on you, you aint got it right yet and times running out.
And then they got straight lines and I didn't have to bag them. There were a few red cods who I couldnt help, but they only came out at night and stole baits. A few crabs who kept taking your bait. But I helped a lot turn into a respectable fish. Ahhh the good ole days when a copper was the worst person you could meet, he might actually care and try to help, and give you a verbal kick in the arse. My dad was a copper too. He actually used to kick them physically in the arse, but only a soft tap to send them on their way. He taught me well. He is still alive at age 89.
Well lads just hope my Solaris and Axeon aint a lemon. Wot say you Lemon King lol.
Cheers Trev
This forum rocks. Mostly of the beach (Good pun there methinks)