I jumped the gun and bought the BPShops FNF rod for $30. It's a fine rod for a guy who will FNF fish 3-4 times all winter if I'm lucky. However, after using the 8'6" rod at Dale for 2 days I wish I had purchased the 9'6" instead. It was a little bit challenging using an 11 foot leader to get the fish in the net. Using a 12-14' leader would have been really tough. I would have probably been stading on top of the motor to bring a big girl to the net.

For anyone wanting to buy their first FNF rod, I would 100% recommend the BPShops rod for $30. They come in 8'6", 9' and 9'6". Buy the 9'6"! I wish I had. I can certainly see where a 10 footer would be even better.

Billy, where's Mr. T? Why the change from A-TEAM/Rocky 3 to Happy Days?