Well I also fish stripers in the surf, there is noway I would try a conventional reel because many of my plugs are not aerodynamic, and many times I am casting into a stiff westerly, so I understand that at times a spinning rod is the ticket.

I have enough confidence in myself to know that if others can learn a conventional for float fishing, so too can I. I like the fighting fish with a conventional more than I do a spinner, I like the idea of having a conventional in free spool letting more line out than I do a spinner with the bail open. I don't like line twist. So sure in the future I will also get a spinning outfit but for now I want to master the conventional in the river. I am aware I would have a much easier time with a spinning rod, but if it were only about easy, I doubt many would take on Center-pins.

In the Soquel Creek, 8 1/2 is more then adequate, it is a very small creek, a lot of people use fly rods and strip and flip fish.

Thanks for all the advise, it has helped.