Its always tough giving advice to someone who is having their first shot at impoundment barra
specially when I've watched a mate go through the same thing ....... he didn't want to spend the cash either and over just a handful of trips - I've watched a rod fall apart and 2 reels pack it in .......... all this over just 6 trips and maybe 50 barra
Now he has spent a bit more and is much more satisfied with the whole experience ....... he can concentrate on fighting the fish and not the gear
Chris