First off lets me say thanx for the ppl that keep this forum I have learned lots from it. Holly I have only been fishing for sturgeon for two seasons and use a Ugly stick with a Penn 320 with 50lb Power Pro, works well for oversize if you play them and fine for keepers BUT...this is from a boat, I believe you will need a longer rod if your gonna fish from shore as you will most likely have to be casting "way out" to get in the deeper holes, not sure about the reel. see ya out there.