On paper this stick checked all the boxes. Wanted a true bfs rod (what I believe is multi piece under 5’6″) to add to my arsenal. I mainly target LMB so I paired it with a Shimano Conquest BTS with Verivas PE 0.6 goh and P-Line 4# mono leader. Lately been only throwing a Neko rigged 4.5″ worm with 0.9g nail weight. The tip is very sensitive and you can feel the bottom structure type. But it is a little slow (solid tip) for this type of fishing you will need to “wind” down before setting the hook. Once your on, the stick as a nice bend, even through the ferril then it seems to go parabolic. But now the blank is doing the work along with the drag! In comparison: I fish a TSU Dragon II and a TSU Intruder and the GW feels to be the softer of the 2. Dragon II -> Intruder -> GW, your feelings might be different. I was able to land a 2lb 2oz LMB and pull her out the the grass with no problem. I was able to land and release her safely so she can fight another day �� Yes, the line does drop below the blank. If your mindful of your line load and can adjust to the direction of the “fight” than you’ll be fine. BTW, I’ve now been only fishing the GW Brook 155 hoping to land a bigger LMB.