I was talking to my son the other day, and the subject of baitcasting
reels came up. I am an avid fan of spinning gear...only because,
basically that's all I ever use .

I was telling John that I thought I should probably bite the bullet and
try some baitcasting reels....I have a couple old relics that I never
use any more, and I asked him what a good "starter" reel would be that
didn't cost a lot. He told me he had more reels than he knew what to do
with, and to wait, and he would send me one, with a pole he thought was
matched up for what I would be using it for.

I went to the post office today to buy some stamps and check my P.O.
Box, the clerk said, "John, I have a big package for you.". She brought
out a shipping tube, and a smaller box. I finished my business and went
home and unwrapped my "gift"......an Ardent XS, and a 6' 6" Quantum Tour
edition PT.

I read all the instructions on the reel....not too sure about all those
internal break settings yet .

I spooled it up, put a Zara Spook on, and walked out to the bank and
tried a few casts....I have a lot to learn! But didn't get any
backlashes.....yet .

It seems like a really good set up....but what do I know about it !

The reel seems smooth and feels natural to me already....I'm going to
try it out with the Spook, and some bigger spinner baits later this
afternoon....right after I call the "kid" and thank him! grin

John K