flats fishing, part ii

So back to the fishing trip.  I had new gear to try out, and try out I did.  I caught around 25 fish spread out over two days, and couldn't be happier with my new stuff. 
    First to bat is my new Cabela's Salt Striker 7' medium-heavy travel spinning rod.  This 3-piece travel rod, which comes with its own hard-shell case, is a perfect spinning rod for any saltwater species under 35-40lbs.  The midsection and butt and sturdy enough to fight larger fish, and the tip is light enough to cast and toss lighter baits and lures.  The biggest fish I fought with this rod was an 11lb. Redfish, and though the weight might not be impressive off the bat, these fish are renowned fighters and fight pound-for-pound right alongside a bluefish.  When my professional guide said "the perfect rod for Snook and Redfish is a 7' medium-heavy spinning rod," I knew I had made the right choice.
    Next comes my new reel that I mated to the new rod, my Team Daiwa Tierra 3000.  I had read that the best flats fishing reel is either a 3000 or 4000-class spinning reel, and again my guide backed up my purchase.  When I told him I was concerned my 3000-class reel might be a bit on the light side, he told me "I'll only use 3000's in tournaments."  Awesome.  The spool is large enough to hold a few hundred yards of 30lb. braid (and I have 12lb. mono on the free second spool), and it can cast a mile.  Its compact size belies a reel that feels like a tank in your hands.  I fought some pretty strong fish with this reel, and it never hiccuped once.  Daiwa has a great reputation, and I hope that with years of good care this reel can last me a long time.