Good post. However i would keep the zebco, it might be a classic someday <grin> and as you all know the world record flathead was caught on a zebco 33. IMO i would keep the zebco, and just buy the bolt action .243 if he can handle it. And besides this might be a fishing board but I think there is a lot more stuff on here besides fishing. I know i laughed till i cried when i read Jims post about the brown bears scat having bells in it and smelling of pepper.