Shimano Stradic is hands down the best most durable reels around. I've had a few 2500s over the years and you can't beat them. Neighbors got the CI and he loves it. I personally don't care for the carbon fiber. I like my reels metal. LOL I'm in covington and am out on the water 3-4 days a week. Anytime you want to go wet a line just let me know.
The main thing to remember is common sense. I only fish the lake and rigolets and was out Monday 5 minutes from the launch and fished next to a guy in a kayak. It's all about the winds! There is fish to be caught and we brought home a good box. Also during the week is better if you can swing it. There are a lot of idiots on the weekends that don't know the rules of the road and will swamp your flat. Since I'm not a guide I don't mind sharing spots so if you want hit me up and we will run in mine and bring your gps if you have one to mark the spots. And no disrespect to the guides I know you have put a lot of time into finding your honey holes and your livelihood depends on your clients catching fish so I expect you to keep them secret.
I would say give it another month. The guides are still having to run to the sound for the specks.