Guys, you don't know how much I appreciate the advice and even offers that some of you made to help me out in my time off need. I'm definitely guilty of being a lot of things in life but being a thief was never on the list. I'm a blue collar union worker that works hard to provide for my family. So I never felt the need to take advantage of anyone else's hard work by taking things that don't belong to me.
So here is the update: Tuesday I took Erin Brewer's advice. I bit the bullet and called Monks Crappie. I place an order for some South Bend rods and Shimano reels. My thoughts were that I couldn't wait any longer considering shipping time and Wanting to be back on the lake by the weekend. So they are on the way.
I live in Paducah KY which is just across the river from Metropolis, IL (5 miles from where I grew up in Brookport IL). So I get a call Tuesday night from a friend of mine. He informs me that another mutual friend of ours (who lives in Metropolis) had just got a heck of a deal on some really nice crappie rods. 12 rod and reel combos for $100. Ding ding ding...... after a few questions I was 90% sure that I had just located my STOLEN rods. So I called the the mutual friend and he was more then willing to help me. He sent me pictures of the what he had bought. You guessed it! Now I'm 100% sure I just found my stuff!!
The guy he bought them from said he had got them from an auction,,,,,hmmmmm??? The guy just happens to be my biddies next door neighbor. Also happens to be a known "meth head"!!! So, armed with this information I contacted the officer who did the original police report. Now as of last night I have my rods back in my possession AND new ones coming in the mail!!!! What to do.......
All in all I would say I came out pretty good. The "me" of old wanted to rear his ugly head and make a trip across the river. Locate the meth head and put my hands on him just like he did my stuff. But I'm older and wiser now. I have left it up to law enforcement to proceed with the appropriate steps to see that he gets what he deserves. A happy ending, for me at least!
Again, THANK YOU to everyone who cared enough to lend a hand!!!

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