Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo

[zippyFX]

http://www.daiwa.com/travelkit/pop_ms.aspx

Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case. You should be able to get it for approximately $30 - $40 in Ontario if you price shop (I got mine for $32 at Le Baron)

I got this for Christmas and like a kid in a candy store I have been chomping at the bit to giver 'er a go. This is a small set up at just 4 1/2 ft and comes in a small carrying case that keeps things self contained. It's small and is easily kept under the car seat.

The rod breaks down into 5 sections and is easily assembled by sliding the pole lengths together. There is a standard reel seat for the small reel that comes with it with suitable for 2-6 lbs mono (I spooled with flouro).

The kit comes with some space for terminal tackle and accessories (geared for light or UL)... For example, I have 4 small lures, some jigs, split shot, maraboos, spinners, small float, small scissors, snaps, etc... that all fit nicely. About the only it's not good for is worms

Positives:
- It's easy to assemble and use
- It's very sturdy; To date I've caught fish up to one pound on it and handled them easily and confidently.
- It fits well under my seat.
- The reel holds ample line for most Light and UL needs.

Negatives:
- Once you figure out how to get the rod into the case it's relativity straightforward to do again and and again.
- The reel always seems to be a struggle to fit in just right. Maybe the should increased the size of the size of the case or decreased the size of the reel a smidge.
- the plastic case has good layout but is little more fragile than I would like. One of the snaps for the lids is already broken and one of the internal compartments has a crack
- The case is a single piece of molded plastic that includes flexible plastic hinges. This can prevent it from lying perfectly flat. I think they would have done better if they had a real metal or plastic hinge screwed in here.


All in all I am pleased with it. I often get breaks in my day and pass a couple of fishing spots to and from work, so it's nice to just be able to pop out and cast a line for 30 minutes and head on my way if the mood suits me.