I hear that's a nice rod. A friend likes his so well he picked up a second one off Ebay last summer.

I'm not sure what you mean by a "high performance" reel. Do you mean last a lifetime or more kind of quality? A Hardy Marquis Salmon No. 2 is tried and true and will outlast you. Have you thought about a custom reel? I bought a Shamburg wide drum a couple years ago. It's based on the ancient Dingley; is simple like the old Hardys, and should last forever. Another is Speyco, which comes in several models, and you can pick and choose how you want them finished. Pretty reasonable in price too, around $400.

Sg