Heritage - I did look at the reels as well, also very nice. The combo Rod had set up with the rod, reel, and the Sharkskin line really cast like a dream. I can probably get away with the rod without doing too much penance with the better half, but I'm not sure if I should push it and get the combo or not.

Then again, sounds like a good 40th birthday present to myself, yeah that's the ticket. If she get's too upset I can always try to reason that a new rod and reel is better than a 20 yr old girlfriend to deal with my impending mid life crisis.