21-39299 DOCK DEMON RED 30" 1PC M SC

This is truly a unique little combo for the money. The reel won't win any awards with the plastic drag system that does work, but it sounds like the worst thing imaginable when it comes to drag. It also isn't very light on the lowest end. Everything else works amazingly well for this little gem. I had already purchased the spinning reel version of this several years ago for dock fishing and ice fishing due to its size and extremely low price, and although it doesn't have the high bearing count or aluminum spool of more expensive reels, it has been a fun and easily maintainable little combo. This season, I wanted to try a small casting rod to mate with an antiquated all metal conventional reel that had a medium action for the ice fishing season that wouldn't break the bank. $100 for a casting ice fishing rod or $13 for an almost as equally sensitive rod with a fun little well working reel to boot? $13 wins in my book. As with every reel I purchase, no matter if it's inexpensive like this one, or one that goes into trple digits, I immediately disasemble them and oil and grease them. This reel is easily disassembled for maitenance and has pretty strong little components for the price you pay. I expected the plastic retrieve handle to be weaker, but it cranks well with a good amount of weight applied. No, you should not try to bring in a whopper of a catfish because this isn't what it was designed for. If treated properly, this will last several seasons for the fish it was designed to catch. Now to the rod. It has a very simple construction. It had decent flex, and it is surprisingly sensitive. I will still put a bobber on it when I'm dock or ice fishing out of habit. With the reel it's mated to, it will cast a decent distance for its shortness. The guides appear to be a good quality that will not wear or pop out, and the grip is soft and sensitive but also strong enough for the job. The plastic reel seat is something that I never like even though so many ultralight rods are going to this, but it holds the reel securely with weight pulling on it, like a six to ten lb fish. Ten lb is about the max you really want to try to bring in with this, although with the proper drag use, you could probably go higher. The only thing I do recommend you do before you use this combo is to change the line if it has line memory from sitting too long on a shelf. Yes, you won't have a problem catching fish with the installed 6lb test Zebco monofilament, but if it has been on a shelf too long, it could get bad line memory which can snag inside the reel when casting and retrieving. In the end, this little combo proves you don't have to be a fishing gear snob to catch fish. This combo is just one fun little guilty pleasure of a fishing rod and reel. Long review for a cheap little combo like this, but it deserves it. Another win for Zebco.

I work with Scouts (5 - 17 years old) This rod is great for all ages. I use it to teach younger scouts, the button cast makes it easy for them to learn and use the rod without it getting tangled. It's a little short for older scouts but makes it makes transport easier and still works well to catch fish!