I finally did it. Broke a rod smacking an aggressive alligator in the head. Twice. I think Im just going to carry an airsoft or pellet pistol from now on. I am a dumbass, considering that I had a perfectly good push pole that would have survived unscathed. Or maybe I should scare him with a Sig Sauer 9mm, but when an 8 footer looks like he's trying to join me in the boat I got nervous. Some coonass is feeding these guys. Shimano Crucial medium moderate/fast. It was a good rod. Here in the BPT I can't find shit to buy. Switched over to my G Loomis 2nd favorite rod, and promptly caught a 46 inch Gar, but I'm in the market. Probably going to add 2 more 13 Fishing concept C2 reels as well. You speck/redfish guys, if you were looking for a ML or M 7 footer with full cork handle, baitcaster, what would you get? Basically, whats your dream trout/red rod/reel combo, budget be damned. And what is the best tackle shop in Houston?