hahaha cheers for all the replys before i posted this id looked at most of the rods that use have mentioned. i do like the tica thefunkychicken i rekn they are a really good rod ill have to wait and see because i think there starting to release all the shimano 2011 gear early so might get my hands on something new. as for the reel i have that covered either the twinpower or my symetre 2500.. cheers. and yep def keen on the warmer weather, cheers tp