Casting out new lines...

I've traded in a life of craziness, and mundane office work, for a simple life. A fun life... A happy life. To me, there's nothing more relaxing than being out on the pier. A cold beer, and a lot of bait... Fishing is relaxing, and exciting. Its also a great escape from your everyday worries. You can breathe the salty air, and enjoy the sunshine... and not worry about the rest of the world.

Living in SW FL, I have ample opportunity to take advantage of this magnificent past time. So, I decided to get back into the habit, and reenter my secret place of zen. Unfortunately, my rods and reels came up missing a while back, so I was in need of something new.

I'm mostly interested in salt water fishing. Bait casting reels, and surf poles. However, given opportunity, I could possibly get into fly fishing... For now, I'll stick with the mysteries of the depths...

I've always been a fan of Shakespeare rods. To be more specific, Ugly Stiks. I picked out an amazing rod, and was psyched to get back on the water, and relaxing in the briny atmosphere that puts me at ease.

My rod:
Shakespeare: Ugly Stik, Big water Spinning Rod

• Two-piece 9'0" rod
• Durable EVA grips
• Graphite Fuji reel seats with corrosion resistant stainless steel hoods
• Top quality Fuji guides with stainless steel frames and aluminum oxide inserts
• Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivy

With my rod ordered, I took on the daunting task of picking the perfect reel for my return to the salt life...

I looked over quite a few reels, and found more then a handful that I would LOVE to use, but I eventually settled on a practical model. One that met my needs to a T.

My Reel:

Ecooda: Maelstrom 5000, Baitrunner w/ Spare Spool (Spinning Fishing Reel)

• Classic front and rear drag function
• Carbon fiber drags
• Shielded stainless steel bearings
• Stainless steel main shaft 
• Precision cut gears; 5.1:1 gear ratio
• Forged aluminum spool
• Corrosion free graphite body
• Interchangeable right or left hand thread-on handle
• Oversized non-slip EVA handles 
• Includes a spare graphite spool

All of this, with my amazing rod, makes for a seriously awesome saltwater fishing rod and reel combo!

I took my new setup out to the Venice Fishing Pier, and spent 6 hours testing it out. I must say that I am thoroughly impresses. The rod goes without saying.... but the reel... Its fantastic!!! I love the variable drag, and it spools like butter. Smooth, and flawless. Plus, the matte finish is perfect in the Florida sunshine--- it prevents the reflection of the sun, and saves your eyes. This is definitely a diamond in the rough, and the price is perfect!

Based on ease of use, and overall performance, I highly recommend this reel. If other Ecooda products are of similar quality, I can see this brand becoming a fast favorite with me!

Check out my gear:

Ecooda; Maelstrom 5000

Ugly Stik; Big Water Spinning Rod

Ecooda --- Sample provided for review.