Any raven or okuma pin is a winner. I own both and don't see the need for a more exspensive reel. I can cast plenty far with my cheap ones and out fish my buddys with high end ones, after all its just a wheel. As far as a rod get the 13' shimano clarus 8-12 can't beat 100$ with a lifetime warrenty. I've landed kings to 25# on it so far without problems
Good luck and tight lines
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Team shimano snapper, "dude weres my bobber?", jaw dropper jigs, deathboat comandos