I prefer to use palm rods over regular rods in most situations. I have a wealth of information about the American market and what is available both here and overseas. The best palm rods look nothing like ours. picture below shows an orange akara (sold by Russians in USA) and a Russian Master Rod. (not available in the USA. Since these rods were built for downsizing I don't recommend any line over 2lb test. If you have problems finding 1lb test, I recommend Vicious ICE line or a brand overseas used for fly fishing called Stroft (a little harder to purchase..found mine on a German website and paid EUROS for it) Indicators are weak in America compared to what they fish with overseas. If you have purchased American indicator use some sand paper to shave them down to the disered flexibility. Hoooking a jig into the hole at the end of the indicator will show you if you pairs the two up correctly (should see a 45 degree angle) Also..don't put that sand paper away...sand out the inner reel area smoothing out rough surfaces from the molds used to make it. Also sand the tip of the rod to a point to allow easier indicator placement. And finally store the indication upside down...literally take it off, flip it around and put it back on the rod with the end facing the reel. Most guys wrap a thin layer of electric tape around the rod about mid way down to hook their look jig into when in this position for storage...picture below.