Good morning: I have been seeing an advertisement on TV for Symbicort. They show a grandfather, son and grandson releasing a fish. They also show the grandfather carrying a rod I have never seen the likes of. It looks to be five and a half to six feet long with what looks to be two single foot spinning guides and a tip. The reel looks like a Great Lakes trolling reel. Any ideas? Thanks, John

I saw the same thing and the wife gave me a jab and said "only you would notice that."
the reel looks like a large fly reel or a center pin on a short rod. my film maker son said it's all about appearance. that style reel "shows" real well and the short rods is easier for the actors to handle and it fits into the entire frame. it's all marketing.

I noticed the wierd set up also and got the same reaction from the BW.

Gary, There is a Marquardt marina in Mexico Beach Fl just east of Panama City.

I believe it shows that the marketing folks setting up the commercial basically don't know a 'bluegill from a cheerio' when it comes to fishing. Nor does the old actor guy. Which leads me to this: I think they should have used Mike Barkley for that commercial. He would have been much more believable and would have shown off a better looking and correct rod rig. I'm just saying .....!!!!

According to the marketers that rod has the utmost sensitivity and that reel perfectly balances the rod. It's a pricey set-up, but it's the latest and the best.

Now Steve, be nice!!!! Not sure how to take that one LOL!!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Hi Mr Barkley,
I thought Steve was being nice!! Retired old farts need to take all the niceties and extra cash they can get. The add probably won'y be seen in this neck of the woods so I'l go with Steve, you'd have been bettter and probably better looking!!!!!

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Phil: I'll bet you are right! I have an old Pflueger SAL-TROUT No. 1558. The reel is about 5 3/4" in diameter and loaded with over a hundred yards of solid copper line (wire). Perhaps I should get on the bandwagon and pair that reel with one of my older bamboo surf rods that is 10' long and market the whole outfit as the latest in a sinking fly line rig. Thanks for all the replies gents. John

no no no John. you need to mount that Pflueger on a 4' ultra light rod. then you'll be a movie star!

John: Back in the day when pulling copper we used a spool fastened to the turntable of a wind-up victrola record player for a reel. I might have to add some weight to the tip of my 5' UL rod to balance this combination, and the reel seat may pose some problems.

Since you guys are building these kind of rods
I got such a deal --- here Be a Star
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Bill - willierods.com