yeah righto, "knotflash" has bought a great rod, no question. Given he's new to the sport I thought I might shed some light on the fact that now he can focus on all the other elements.

And the awesome fun to be had. There's a thousand scenarios where that 40kg could have had you busted, like if you'd been catching fish all day, would your leader to lure knot still be 100%, or would have you re-tied, but at what point? what if the other 2 fish were still on, and you couldn't have been "backed hard" off the reef, bla bla bla. Surely as informed and practised as you are, you can understand these things.I stand by my words, the fish don't give a hoot about brands, for them it converts to one thing....resistance. Some times maximum resistance is not the answer, and basically can be little dull if you're not into the larger specimens. I bow humbly at your feet, as although |I've had 1/2 doz in the mid 30's I've not had a 40+. You are the king. 

 it's also harder to entice over 40's with poor gear, big n fussy.   

I haven't worked out which reel yet mate. It's a tricky one. 

Yea I looked at this. Has a good review even from Alan Hawk. The drag is 15kg though? Enough for topwater in shallows?? Whats everyones opinion?

 

try lifting a 15kg weight off the rod tip - its a lot more than you think...

yeah it's plenty on a stick bait rod, a short jigging rod you hold a bit more, but 15 for topwater is heaps. p.s I'm totally bias in that department as use a Saltiga 5000H with the same max drag rating.