You're going to love jig fishing KB. As for the best rod and reel combo for float and jig fishing you don't have to spend big bucks for it. The ultra sensative overpriced rods aren't needed at all for this. The float detects the bites for you. I suggest a mid-priced 9.5 ft. spinning rod rated for 6 to 12 lb. line. Lami's, All-Stars, and GL2's are just a few of many good rod choices. Some like the longer 10.5' rods. If you aren't tall &/or fish large wide rivers, the longer rods are better. For medium and smaller rivers I think the 9.5 is the way to go. Always use muscilan line floatant on your mainline to make it easier to mend or keep off the water, so your float drifts naturally as possible. The spinning reels are best because they cast light weight easier and don't backlash as levelwinds often do when the jig and float sometimes counter each other's forward cast movement. It's hard to beat the Shimano Symetry for an $80 spinning reel. One of the very best is the Shimano Stradic (I think around $140?). The other brands have come a long ways though - just don't have to spend too much on them. I recommend using 8 lb. Maxima Ultra Green line. Good alternatives are Izorline, Berkley Big Game, and Ande Tournament - in 8 or 10 lb. strength. These fish aren't usually very leader shy, but sometimes going down to 6 lb. line with 1/8 oz. jigs and a small stealthy float do help hook fish in low gin clear water. As for jigs, I recommend First Cast Jigs, Rainbow Jigs, Silent Approach jigs, and BeauMac jigs. The bead bodied version with pink and white tail feathers is one of the most consistent producers; for most conditions use the 1/4 oz. size. Also try putting a small piece of shrimp tail on the hook for extra productiveness. Good luck and have fun!

RT