I have the gold colored carbonlite. It's on a 6'6" MF carbonlite rod with micro guide eyes. It makes catching a whole lot of fun.. and the sensitivity is awesome. Those mid 20" rockfish are a whole lot of fun on it.. but I'm sure it could handle much bigger. I run 20lb power pro through the reel. It casts smooth and far and once you have it dialed in, it won't backlash. I can tell you, there have been SEVERAL occasions where I have been out and I was the only one catching.. while everyone else used the same lures. I'll never jig with a spinning rod again. If this new Johnny Morris version is anything like the other, it would definitely be worth the money. The upgraded bearings and drag sound real nice.

If you decide to get one, buy it as a combo. You'll save a ton that way.. unless you just don't need the rod.

 

I got the combo last year (not the one with micro guides). I liked the reel for its light weight and overall smooth function - except for the drag on big fish. It would not slip smoothly. It'd be great for summer fish. The rod is very light weight too, however, line seems to easily get wrapped around the upper guides. I think that may be due to overly large guide diameters. Anyway, sold the reel on ebay and just don't use the rod anymore due to the annoying line wrap.

 

Interesting on your assessment on both Uncle cuz I've not had a problem whatsoever w/the drag system, including MANY ocean fish. I get line issues every so often on basically every rod I use at 1 point or another, certainly no worse on the carbonlite rod. It looks like they updated the drag stack, which I want cuz of toggin, so I'm gonna get another 1 and give it a shot, this time w/a 7 6 rod.

 

What's the reasoning for the long rod and tog? Just curious

 

Helps u deal w/ocean swell better...longer rod...slower tip helps u keep stuck 2 da bottom.

 

No, I'd better not....