I was 13 and I was going on a fishing trip with my dad on the St. Johns River and he had an old red 5500 that I was very envious of. I had to beg my mom in the middle of Walmart for the last $15 in order to purchase the reel. Just like most kids want to be like their dads, I wanted my first baitcaster to be like my dad's. I got the reel along with a Berkley Phazer rod and learned how to cast on that trip, thanks to my dad. I'm 32 now and I have enjoyed many years with this reel, and as long as I take care of it, it will take care of me on the water.

Nathan Smith
Swannanoa, N.C.

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