I just walked in the door from trying out my new setup. I didn't have great expectations for the fishing because we just received 3+ inches of rain. The water was basically chocolate milk.

I used the Sowbug trout magnet and the Bison trout magnet. The handful of bites were on the Sowbug. The rod is unbelievably sensitive, I feel Itty bitty twigs, pebbles, probably a minnow. I can't believe how sensitive it is if I'm being honest. The one fish I landed was a 6lb drum. What a battle!! The rod handled it beautifully!

I would compare it to the Finetail area stage rod only even more sensitive and a better overall rod. The Bellezza doesn't wobble much after casting...It regains its natural form relatively quickly. The Legalis reel reminds me of my Ballistic 1000. It is smooth as silk and easily paid out drag on that big drum fish I caught.

All in all, I can’t believe this rod is priced where it is, I think it's $100 underpriced. I probably will buy another one, it's a fantastic setup. Talk about a budget setup, this is the real deal.