Hey Rookie fisher, I know far too well what you are looking for. Depending on how much money you plan on spending, well this is what my favorite set-up is. I use a 9' GL2 heavy 10-20# and a 5500 reel. This set-up works great for both. I use 8oz. of weight were I'm fishing and it will through it at least 25yds which is plenty of distance for any plunking application. I just use this rod last weekend on the cowlitz and banged out a nice #10 hen steelie drift fishing. It will work fine for both especially spoon fishing, this rod has plenty of good back bone and has a fast action also. Not my #1 choice for drift fishing but down on the cowlitz if you get a big fish then you need some power to control the fish before it goes to the point and you loose it in the current. Just my .02, good luck!