I had a South Bend "Black Beauty" that I picked up as a "Garage Sale", many years ago, it was a hybrid spin cast/fly rod where the reel seat/handle assembly was reversible. It was fair casting it either way, but wast not that great at either. I gave that to my daughters boy friend, and I just thought that he had a interest in my fly rods, which are longer, he might like the real thing.

I appreciate the feed back and hints, I will surely put them all to good use (and don't call me "Shirley!" ). Now I just got to get his hand grip diameter and I will be set to go! ~Parnelli

PS: I set his Beauty Fly Spin Cast Reel, up with Dacron backing, and 2X tippet line (90 feet), and gave him a spool of 3X and 4X tippet material.