Other Thoughts:If you loosen the brake, and set the directional control to centre, it's possible to cast with this rod and reel, but you'll need a 25 - 30grams weight on the line to do it.(I wouldn't use anything bigger than a 8gram hook/lure, so the rest must be made up for with a lead weight. Attatch the weight at the end, and the hook a good foot or so higher up, with an extra piece of line.)Also, I reccommend taking a set of pliers and gently bend the eyelet at the tip of the rod. With a greater angle it may work better for casting, as the line will run more freely without rubbing the metal casing on the tip.