Decisions, decisions!

[GreyNurse]

Hi Raiders,

First up, a belated season's greetings. I hope the big jolly guy passed around the tackle you were hoping for. Me? Well I didn't tell Santa what I wanted, so some BCF gift vouchers were found in the stocking. And with a birthday coming up, I've been promised a few more. But here's the rub.

I've been hankering for a proper baitcasting combo. My 30 yer old Daiwa PT15 was never the best reel, but it did teach me the basics. I've got my eye on an ABU Garcia Polaris. Can anyone pass judgement on that? There's also a Daiwa D-cast that looks OK as well. Both are in the price range. Would love to go better, but I need to stay within budget.

Of course, just when I think i've narrowed it down, I spy a fly casting combo. I've had a 3 piece 8 weight rod that a mate gave me a few years back, but I didn't want to shell out the (biggish) bucks to complete the outfit at the time. However, the combo is not only well priced at $139, but it comes with a 5 weight rod and all the gear. So it would now be worth learning the noble art of swaffing, and I'd have two rods to play with!

I'm open to all suggestions and would love some input.