Grandpa,

Whatever you intend to purchase, go with a longer rod!

I have been using the 10'6" Shimano Convergence- gotta say I like it. I am not to partial of the reel seat though- a liitle weak (electrical taped does wonders). For the price and the way I go through rods... worth the 5000 pennies!

As far as the reels. I like the Quantum level winds. 6:1 ratio for those slack liners!
_________________________
"If you are not scratchin bottom, you ain't fishing deep enough!" -DR

Puget Sound Anglers, Gig Harbor Chapter