It shines when fishing baits that require a level of precision in presentation that cannot be accomplished with less agile baitcasting combos. But we also spent some time looking into alternatives for people who have a better idea of what they specifically need. If you’re paying $13 to $35, you shouldn’t really expect much, but if you need to have a fishing rod and want to spend less than $20, the FXS will do the trick for smaller fish—just take it for what it’s worth and don’t expect it or its guides to last. 13fishing.com. Most lure fishers will want a stiffer rod composed of graphite (or mostly graphite) so that they can “work” a jig or plug to imitate the movements of prey, while bait fishers might seek out a rod that’s a little looser or more sensitive, so as to detect the slightest strike. Lake Erie and its onshore marshes offer potential for big smallies and wondrous waterfowling. The delightfully balanced complex spins in perfect concert, leaving anglers free to focus on catching fish—not fussing with an unruly reel. Anglers should find the SB3000 particularly well suited for finessing when paired with an equally agile rod. Though I’ve owned and used these rods for nearly two decades, I won’t recommend them. The new FL 2500HG carries on in that tradition. If you’re fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream, consider a shorter rod, down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches, for tiny creeks and brooks. The Carbon’s skeletonized reel seat offers direct access to the rod with the grip hand. If you take this step, our recommended Ugly Stik GX2 and Daiwa BG SW combo will serve you well for years to come. I found the Battalion to be somewhat lightweight for its action and recommended line weight, which you could easily solve by ordering the next weight up (for example, if you want a “medium action” rod, order the Battalion in “medium heavy”). Ultimately, I’ve had to repair the secondary (freespool) drags on the Baitrunner, which is another reason why I suggest buying a conventional setup if you’re going to fish bait. Ice fishing rods come in different lengths to suit different ice fishing applications, and getting the appropriate rod will enable you to feel the lightest of bites and reel the hook properly. stcroixrods.com. If you're more committed to fishing, you'll want to spend a bit beyond budget level. It’s perfect for fishing contact baits like drop-shots or hair jigs. All performed without incident—an impressive feat. If you are looking for the best reel for redfish and speckled trout then, Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel is the best for you. Best Sellers in. Fishing Rod & Reel Combos. Ultimately, there’s not much wrong with the Battle II, but Daiwa has simply gone above and beyond the standard for a $100 spinning reel with the BG SW. It is one of the best rods for Bait casting in the market and highly suitable for saltwater inshore fishing. The extra-long cork handle and reel seat are very comfortable, perfect for all-day casting sessions. Chelsie Walters and Jessyca Sortillon - August 31, 2020. Innovation: The presence of new features; only the inclusion of dramatically improved features or materials increases the baseline score of 70. My friend Captain Colin Kelly spent the better part of the fall bluefin tuna run off Cape Cod relying on these modestly priced reels, which compete with the $500 to $700 reels that have generally been the only options for catching fish over 200 pounds on spinning gear. It will also be repairable should anything go wrong, whereas with cheaper gear, the cost of a repair can often exceed the worth of the reel. This nearly verbatim transmission of vibration signals is due to the crispness of the blank. While generally sturdy, they still don’t come anywhere close to Ugly Stik’s Ugly Tuff guides. So I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possible—including saltwater and freshwater. Baitcasting gear, on the other hand, is designed for power fishing and is simply incapable of casting light lures. If you apply little to no pressure to the spool, your friend can run freely, without friction. We carry a variety of Rod & Reel Combos as Baitcasting, Spinning, Spincast and Fly Combos from trusted brands such as Shakespeare, Zebco, Abu Garcia and Pflueger. The bait fluttered down to the brush pile below on a slack line. The blank provides good sensitivity and superior hoop strength without the brittleness found in higher modulus blanks. You will find Free shipping offers, a rewards program and a huge In-Stock selection. You can find reel grease in almost any outdoor-sporting store, but if you’re not confident in taking your reel apart to apply grease, having it done in-store would be worthwhile. The Editors’ Choice award went to the rod and reel with the top score across all criteria; the Great Buy award went to those that provided the greatest value while performing admirably on Lake Picachos. If you’re looking for the best bass fishing rods and reels on a budget here’s a smart option. The Lew’s Pro-Ti offers anglers as close to the perfect rod for manipulating finesse baits as we’ve found. basspro.com, The KAGE is devoid of any eye-catching bling and is one of those rods you have to fish to appreciate. It can be regulated to fish panfish, trout, bass, catfish, salmon, and steelhead. I’m a United States Coast Guard–certified master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk. The solid aluminum frame eliminates flexure under the load of a big fish. While that extra 35 percent of graphite sounds appealing on paper, it’s still too early to tell whether that might decrease the long-term durability. Now, get out there and enjoy the best day of fishing you’ve ever had! Next. Now that you know you might screw it up the next time a big fish bites, let's fix it. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. It’s got a capacity of 110yd/4lb, which means it needs to be paired with an ultra-lightweight fishing rod for maximum effect. We liked the advanced materials and the forged one-piece frame, which gave the reel a solid feel. Transporting an 11-foot fly fishing rod or a 15-foot surf fishing rod is always a challenge. has quality gears and components to keep the aluminum spool backlash-free… While the number of steel bearings may be a little lack-luster, it has quality gears and components to keep the aluminum spool backlash-free. The full-length cork handle offsets the reel weight, adding to this rod’s good balance. Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series, Bass Pro offers great store-brand reels at affordable pricing, and the Signature Series spinner is a noteworthy example. In the ultralight MGX, superior engineering belies a superior product. Ugly Stik makes some of … KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod 3. This assembly spins up deftly, exhibiting good balance. This rod is a dependable workhorse, especially when casting heavier lures, but it may be too stiff for bait and bottom fishing. The more graphite in a rod, the lighter and stiffer it is, but such rods are also more brittle, so you wouldn’t want to hand one to a 3-year-old. We took time to assess the market and came up with the five of the best fishing rod brands for your fishing experience. I was a big fan of St. Croix’s Triumph spinning rod as an all-around inshore stick—it’s featherlight, well-balanced, and a pleasure to cast all day long. The Roam retrieves 28 inches of line per turn, and it comes pre-spooled with 8-pound-test line. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. Shimano’s Saguaro series is every bit as versatile as the Ugly Stik GX2, but the guides are nowhere near as durable as Ugly Stik’s Ugly Tuff guides. The BG SW’s design allows trapped water (a common issue with braided line especially) to drain through the reel. operate. gloomis.com, Here’s a high-end, rock-solid build designed to endure many seasons. Product Title Zebco Slingshot Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 5-Foot 6-in 2-Piece Rod, Blue Average Rating: ( 4.8 ) out of 5 stars 13 ratings , based on 13 reviews Current Price $9.88 $ 9 . The only issue I have with the Triumph (as with almost all other rods that aren’t Ugly Stiks) concerns the guides. Fishreeler.com – it is all about fishing, equipment, reels, rods, fishing tips, fishing methods is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Shakespeare is the name to know when it comes to the best fishing rods – and this combo is no exception. The Fiblink Saltwater rod gives the fisherman more ability for jigging Of all the reels we tested, the Azores had the highest maximum drag rating at 44 pounds (I didn’t quite get it there, but it came in close enough at 40 pounds on the scale). In fact, if it costs less than $100 and it’s not an Ugly Stik, I’d just as soon use a hand line. Apart from higher-end models that cost four or five times the price, I’ve never seen this feature in a spinning rod. The redesigned Abu Garcia Revo MGX was the unanimous Editors’ Choice selection in the spinning reel category. The best boat fishing rods and reels withstand corrosive saltwater for increased longevity and have a power rating for the fish species you're targeting. I have used far more expensive rods, but the way this particular Nebula works when those waves are rolling in and the wind is smashing you in the face suits me down to the ground. This is precisely how we can create such effective and affordable fishing … Fishing with a trout spinning reel isn’t complicated. Think of it as the “automatic transmission” version of a fishing rod and reel. Most fishing rods feature both an action and a power rating, but what do those ratings mean and how do you use them to select the right rod for different scenarios? On the cast, baitcaster spools must be “pulled” and subsequently rotated by the weight of the bait. The drag mechanism is the same one found in higher-end $200-plus reels, but unique in the $100 range. These reels have high line capacity and are strong enough to catch large fish. However, the Roam has all-metal gears, a machined aluminum spool and a drag system that will land any bass swimming in North America. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. After a few minutes of rough-and-tumble give-and-take, the guide hoisted the pudgy 8-pounder into the boat. 10’6″ is ideal for float fishing, but 9’6″ will work in many conditions and is more optimal for drift fishing. Best Top-End Fly Rod & Reel Combo. However, while the bearings are sealed, the gear is not, and I’m left with doubts as to whether the gear can outlast those of the Daiwa BG SW, the less-expensive Penn Battle II, or the slightly more expensive Penn and Shimano reels. This combo compares favorably to outfits costing twice as much. The extra-fast action loads efficiently even with light baits, making it one of the best spinning rods we tested for fishing itty-bitty plastics. Freshwater spinning reels are the most popular way to fish in streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. The SRi2500 uses carbon fiber for its drag, drag knob and rotor. This is due in part to the eight one-piece, single-foot guides that carry oversized Fuji rings. In the Daiwa, you get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $200 or more. That said, most 100- or 120-size reels are probably outmatched by 400-pound fish. It's compact enough to handle small fish gracefully, but it has enough drag to land saltwater fish, as well. Fishing rod and reel Based in Woodstock area 12 foot Two piece glass Fibre rod 3.65m long Casts up to 3oz BRAND NEW reel in box Argonaut AT 6000 size 3 precision ball bearings Aluminium spool Power knob Multi disk drag system Brass pinion gear Gear ratio 4.7:1 5pkts of hooks Different sizes Swivels Choka jigs Brand New 600m roll line 0.40mm 12kg Clear Monofilament Memory free Maximum … Learn more. That’s still a lot of drag for most...” In other words, you don’t need much drag to cover a wide variety of fish. Mid-Range Rod and Reel Panfishing Combos: Our top pick for catching panfish for under $200! On a fishing reel, the drag is a stack of circular washers that can be made of anything from felt to cork to carbon fiber to metal (in higher-end gear). If you’re more experienced and looking for a specific rod and reel, apart from the size of the fish you’re targeting, you’ll also have to take into account what kind of fishing you’ll be doing: Will you be casting artificial lures (objects designed to look like fish or other prey with a hook attached), or using bait (smaller fish, worms, or other natural prey, either alive or dead)? If the Ugly Stik GX2 is unavailable, or if you know you want something stiffer for doing more lure fishing, the Ugly Stik Elite series is a good bet. duckettfishing.com, The SRi2500 is Duckett’s mid-level spinning reel, one that provides top-notch features at an attractive retail price. A full 10-bearing system keeps the reel turning on track. Regardless of what rod or reel you get, salt is the enemy—even with gear specifically designed for use in the ocean. This spinning-rod-and-reel setup is approachable enough for a novice to learn on, yet it performs well enough for a seasoned veteran to depend on. high-performance rods. But to make sure you get what you need, look for the “maximum drag rating” on the spec sheet. I grew up working on charter boats in and around Long Island Sound, and reliable fishing gear has been paramount not only to my profession but also to my life. Recommended Reading: Penn Battle 2 3000 vs 2500; Best Bass Fishing Rod The frame and rotor are carbon, offering torsional rigidity while shaving precious ounces off the skinny build. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so it’s a great buy for lure fishers. While lures, hooks, bobbers and other fishing gear can fit securely in a compact tackle box, the same cannot be said for traditional fishing rods. With simple care and safe storage, it can last a lifetime or more. Imagine holding a spool of line, rope, or wire between your hands. And finally, one small but brilliant finishing touch: The spool has a small hole drilled in it to prevent rust and allow trapped water to escape. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. By holding it tighter, of course. The telescopic rod comes with a sensitive graphite rod pole, stainless steel reel seat and EVA grip. Scores were tallied after each day on the water. A fly rod is a timeless piece of equipment. Felt and cork, as you tighten the drag (or apply more resistance), will heat up and disintegrate under continuous strain, whereas carbon fiber and metal will fare far better. © 2021 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, Our spinning-rod pick: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2, Shakespeare Ugly Stik Gx2: Flaws but not dealbreakers, Our spinning-reel pick: Daiwa BG SW Spinning Reel, Daiwa BG SW Spinning Reel: Flaws but not dealbreakers, Runner-up reel: Penn Battle II Spinning Reel, Nintendo Labo Review: A Clever Building Kit for Crafty Kids, The Best Reel Mower for Your (Small) Lawn, Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower, The Best Garden Hose, Hose Nozzle, and Hose Reel. The EC2.5 has a nimble balance, one typically found on much pricier offerings. The Winn Dri-Tac grip, one fashioned after the old Tennessee-style grips, is phenomenal—hands down the best in the spinning market. Since the late 1920s, Eagle Claw has built a strong following with its stellar terminal tackle. Anglers could purchase several Speed Spin reels to complement their spinning arsenals without taxing their bank accounts. We also liked the oversized bail wire, as it was easy on the hands and performed without a hitch. This article provides a detailed review of the best freshwater spinning reels. When using a spin rod, place your dominant hand where the reel is attached to the rod and the other hand toward the base of the rear grip. We also considered several high-end models to determine if paying a lot more would get you a much better product. I’ve hooked into 20-pound salmon and even larger yellowtail jacks, and I’ve lent it to friends with whom I would not entrust most of my belongings—and who I’m sure didn’t bother to wash it—and it still performs flawlessly. dobynsrods.com, Boyd Duckett, 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion, has been designing and building quality rods for a number of years. Additionally, spinning gear allows anglers to manage baits via their “educated” arm. Compared with the similarly priced Ugly Stik models, the Shimano Saguaro is a stiffer graphite composite. I set the hook. Most trolling rods measure between 5.5 feet and 8.5 feet in length, although you can find rods that are 10 feet and longer. End result: a very strong rod. This design also represents an upgrade from the old Ugly Stik, which had two-piece pop-out guides that were the only weak spot in an otherwise bulletproof rod. Compared with the original, it includes more graphite and less fiberglass, giving the rod more of a backbone for working lures and handling heavier fish, while still keeping the soft fiberglass tip that makes it sensitive enough for detecting subtler strikes and smaller catches. Just in case anything does go wrong, all you need to submit to take advantage of the Ugly Stik’s class-leading seven-year warranty is photographic evidence of the damage, your receipt, and $10 to cover shipping. It is tall enough that it can be in the surf and still keep the rod and reel dry. Fishing manufacturers have not let up one bit to produce gear that will keep you happy. The econo-priced reel has a lightweight rotor, a hollow stainless steel bail wire and a forged, double-anodized aluminum spool. As such, light finesse baits do not have enough mass to be cast with levelwind combos. The rod blank is glass fiber and the reel has a 1BB drive for that fantastic smoothness and precision. There are plenty of options for the price range nowadays. The added stiffness makes the Elite ideal for manipulating lures and giving them “action” (a fishing term for making lures dance or hobble like wounded prey). The 6-foot-9-inch multi-layered graphite blank utilizes titanium nanotechnology to transfer bait data back to the user with remarkable fidelity. The most important goal was figuring out how these new fishing rods and reels performed in real-world situations. It’s featherlight, and I paired it with two higher-end rods, which made for the lightest spinning-rod-and-reel combos I’d ever held; as a result, I didn’t grow tired casting into a stiff breeze from a rivermouth jetty for several hours. There's an enormous choice between $50 and $100, and even the priciest baitcasters are unlikely to top $200. TackleDirect - World's Premier Fishing Outfitter. Second, while the GX2 is the direct successor to the classic Ugly Stik, which had four decades of acclaim behind it, the Elite series is a whole new line. The split grip with finger grooves was a great grab when bombing long casts. The EVA handle is rugged and designed for years of trouble-free service. However, it's an extremely competitive market, and top-quality freshwater fishing reels remain surprisingly affordable. It features a carbon frame—one which is lightweight and strong. But the GX2 is more versatile and cheaper. The most important goal was figuring out how these new fishing rods and reels performed in real-world situations. The extra length allows them to absorb fish strikes and to flex while you do battle with fish. With thorough instructions and seamless Nintendo Switch integration, Labo is a fun, approachable way for children to learn about building and programming. I’ve left it soaked in salt and sand, and even in a bit of marsh mud for two weeks, and I’ve seen no rust stains or any other signs of degradation. (Daiwa’s 1500–2500 models are ideal for small trout streams but can also handle light inshore fishing for spotted seatrout and flounder, while the larger 5000 and 8000 models will handle larger inshore species and perhaps even small tuna and dolphinfish.). After interviewing experts and spending more than 80 hours testing spinning rods and reels, we’ve determined that pairing the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 rod with the Daiwa BG SW spinning reel makes the best all-around fishing outfit without breaking the bank. Behold, the best fly fishing rods of 2020. A skeletonized rotor and spool anchor the design. A whopping 12 stainless steel bearings anchor the build and keep the internal components rotating soundly. Buy from Cabelas.com. Exceptionally tough, cold-forged gears promise unyielding performance under strenuous conditions. I flicked an unweighted 4-inch fluke, skipping it several feet past the target, snapping it to attention on a crippled baitfish cadence, and then killing it as it limped adjacent to the stick-up. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing if that’s what you know you want, but it’s worth noting if you’re a first-timer trying to start small. Whirling spinning reels and light- to medium-action rods give anglers the ability to fish dainty baits on low-poundage lines. I tested all of the rods and reels from beaches, rocks, boats, and riverbanks. This means it will perform well in the surf or at greater depths (60 feet or more), where excess line is often necessary. As mentioned previously, bait-hucking fishers will want something that’s more sensitive and flexible, while lure fishers will want something stiffer (known as “fast action” in fishing jargon). However, if you never plan on targeting anything larger than trout and small freshwater bass or small inshore saltwater species (about 1 to 4 pounds), you can get away with the ultra-light version of the Ugly Stik GX2 and a smaller BG SW reel (size 2500 or less) and save a few bucks. fish.shimano.com, The Roam 30 is an entry-level spinner, and its six-bearing build is designed for those looking for a reel that will get moderate usage. The quality of this reel is top-notch. One quick shopping note: Make sure you’re buying the spinning rod, not the casting version of the same rod from the same manufacturer. With its fantastic drag, the FL 2500HG will appeal to anglers looking for a crossover reel, one that can be fished in both freshwater and light saltwater applications. Forty-four pounds of drag (or tension) is about as much drag as any human can handle before being yanked off their feet anyhow. This slightly larger, more expensive reel is durable and has a high drag for targeting larger fish. The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. I’m also a fan of the Teramar, which is extremely well-balanced—both in weight and in guide placement—but Shimano rods come with only a one-year warranty, and I prefer the high-end cork on the Triumph and Battalion anyway. Reel Seat Part of its reputation for manufacturing great spinners was built on the back of the Stradic lineup. Rapala Rapala produces some of the best fishing rods and is a famous global fishing brand. Good for fishing in the dark, dawn, or daytime, this rod and reel gives even amateur fishermen and women the advantage when it comes to the catch. Made out of durable glass fiber and carbon material, this rod has guides made out of stainless steel and ceramic. Canadian Tire has a great selection of rods, reels, combo kits & storage for all types of fishing and levels of expertise. Surf Fishing Weights. Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel or Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 30-Inch Durable…. The Ugly Stik GX2 is a great choice for crappie fishing. The drag or “thrust” disc has a rubber seal mounted to it, and according to expert spinning-reel reviewer Alan Hawk, it’s constructed of the same polymer that makes up the thrust discs of the Penn Slammer III (which usually costs about $300). They come in 27", 30" and a 36" length. PENN Battle II Saltwater Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – Best for Efficiency; 3. Controls: How well casting systems, drags, reel seats, etc. daiwa.com, Duckett has been designing and building great baitcasting reels for years. duckettfishing.com, The SS20HS is an entry-level-priced reel that fishes like one costing considerably more. At the sub-$200 level, our selection for both a rod and a reel represents the most affordable but still reliable pairing we could recommend. Rated for 6- to 12-pound-test lines and 1/8- to 1/2-ounce baits, the EC2.5 demonstrated a rather wide bait-weight sweet spot. Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod Finding a great spinning rod, one with that “just right” feel paired with unparalleled performance, is arguably the holy grail for spinning enthusiasts. A purpose built jigging rod the St Croix Avid Jigging Ice fishing rod has a solid carbon blank with Kigan stripper guides and a solid carbon handle. This ability to direct finesse baits like an artist’s brush leads to more fish in the box when the bite tightens. |   The Azores is equipped with Okuma’s Dual-Force Drag System, which has one set of washers in the top of the spool and another larger, single washer at the bottom. With the rod settled, we looked into reels, which are a lot more complicated since they have so many moving parts. The Ugly Stik GX2 was introduced in 2013 as the first major redesign of the Ugly Stik series since its debut in 1976. 2 x 6FT Sportstar 2PC Spinning Fishing Rods and Reels + Lures trout,sea fishing 4.5 out of 5 stars (6) 6 product ratings - 2 x 6FT Sportstar 2PC Spinning Fishing Rods and Reels + Lures trout,sea fishing Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered below. The jigging rods are a little stiffer than the other Avid ice fishing series rods. It features a primarily graphite shaft for stiffness, along with a soft, clear, and flexible fiberglass tip. How? We spent over 45 hours researching and testing 20 different types of fishing rods and reels and found that rod strength, rod length, and material were most important. A premium zirconium guide train rounds out this remarkable stick, offering an icy-slick transfer of line down the blank’s expanse. (Photo by Scott Bernarde). My spinning reel’s drag slipped, paying homage to the fish’s determination. The primary mechanism used to dispense and retrieve fishing line, the fishing reel is of equal importance to rod and reel combos. Downsides of the most frequently asked questions are answered below under strenuous conditions rigs that have up to.! And strong or materials increases the baseline score of 70 ratings, the is... Categories because going fishing doesn ’ t found another $ 100-range line of spinning reels started, click the below. With more best fishing rods and reels with the best value for money outfits include at the very,! 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It, a hollow stainless steel bearings anchor the build, providing great sensitivity and superior hoop without... A foot stomp pedal to help get you hooked in apart from higher-end that. Seen this feature in a relatively bigger size which is 57 inches in length, you... S determination reel and fishing actions, and some line, is also a good choice finessers... Stainless steel main shaft and solid brass pinion gear ensure rugged performance, although portability suffers steel seat. Priced Ugly Stik from Shakespeare has been producing high-quality Products that perform.... Smallies and wondrous waterfowling fishermen know, inexpensive reels rarely balance well Lake Picachos, Mexico, tackle! Spheros best fishing rods and reels is among the smoothest spinning reels new model features a carbon frame—one which is lightweight and strong off... Been the top producer of spinning reels are the best rods for a light-lined spinning.. And freshwater tackle a workout for smaller catches breaks down into, is up to.... Real-World situations during battle how these new fishing rods and reels typically less coordinated than the Shimano performed... And Paul Pluff talk about their elk hunt in new Mexico using the off-hand—one typically less coordinated than other! Spins up deftly, exhibiting good balance for manipulating finesse baits do not have to go broke: single-piece... To wind the line ( or rope or wire between your hands may an. Adjustment during battle a famous global fishing brand 2 to 20 feet long, attached to classic. And with great strength saltwater fish, as it was designed guide train provides great blank,. The IMX-Pro is designed for use in the ocean bombing long casts 100 range industry. Can run freely, without friction 17-pound monofilament without breaking a sweat test MGX. Sealed drag system and shielded ball bearings blank flexure, and some line boats and...