AbelBoy, my son's 2 foot Shakespeare Target special with combo fly box has certainly pulled in a number of fish over the last few years. I can't say my son and I have caught anything like that with his $12 stick!!! I'm surprised the reel didn't pop loose with a fish that size...Happens often with us.

Truthfully, heads have turned, chuckling at the sight when my son hits a river with that tiny rod...Time after time, he shuts those guys up pretty quickly after pulling in a fish or two, only to release 'em in clear view. Yeah, and I'm thinking of shelling out how much money for a new rod?!?!