When I have targeted albies and bones from shore I stick with the flyrod. I'm good there I've got that all sorted.

What am I looking for as far as a rod and reel for spin tackle?

The only time I've ever come across them on spin tackle has been on 50# flouro leaders and 60# braid on rods that dont even load unless you're throwing 2.25 ounce poppers.

Lay it on me what am I looking for in a spin rod/reel?

I just picked up a cabelas 7.5' inshore rod and like it so far. Durability will be a question. The past few seasons i have been using a wright and mcgill 8'6" salmon/steelhead rod. I love the extra length and the action of the rod but the reel seat is junk. Steelhead rods are great in my opinion, if you can find one that isn't too slow. You get good distance casting and plenty of backbone. I have been using a new penn ssz4500. Nice fast retrieve speeds and a great drag but its heading into the shop today. Hard to recommend the reel since it started acting up after half a season, hard to reel in even after multiple greasings.

you dont need much. Last year i really liked the 7' mojo surf with a VS150 or a 4000 class reel, with 20#braid and 20# flouro.

I like the stradic 5000 especially the new ones. I use that and a Sustain 5000 also. Rods from shore i would think a 9 footer would be more advantageous if it is good with smaller metal but I only fish from a boat and use a 7 footer so others may be better at advise for that.
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I use an 8'-3" steelhead rod, it was a store bought rod I tore apart and re-guided years ago, so I don't remember who made it, Shakespere I think. Handles 1/4-1 oz and casts very well. I run 12 lb BigGame on my venerable 710Z. Bombproof.
I've been thinking of building a new spinner-(like you, I use a flyrod mostly) and was looking at a Batson 1084F, has about the same specs as what I use(occasionally) now

I use a sustain 4000 (I've also used a stradic 2500) with a 7' St. Croix Ben Doerr. 20# braid and 10# leader. Hogy's, maria jigs (only have a few left), Albie Snacks, tiny magic swimmers and bone rebel jumin minnow.

If you are from shore, I would go with an 8' rod. That extra ft makes a big difference in casting distance. Yesterday I was fishing a 7' mojo, and I was not impressed with how it casted compared to my other rods. Granted this might not be as much as an issue if you are strictly going to fish from the rocks, but if you are on a sandy beach that extra distance is nice... I travel a lot and fish a variety of spots for these devils, so the extra distance is always welcomed.

I use my St. Croix Tidemaster 8 ft. & Stradic 5000. Also Use my 7 ft. schoolie rod with a Stradic 4000 for a backup or if they stay in close for more fun. Both 30 # powerpro.

Have fun with it.

On my third 8' Tica on das boat, 10 to 25, 3/4 to 2 fast, 20 lb. braid... I'm not much of a judge but this thing gets those small SI's out there...

The other two sircomed to operator error and trees :-(

Last year I used an 8'6" century paired with an old Daiwa Capricorn 4000, 20lb braid/20lb mono, I never use Fluro.

My other set up was a 7' st croix with a quantum smoke 30, that set up was great but the reel was too small and line capacity was an issue.

This year I'm using an 8'6" TFO with a penn battle 2 4000, 20lb power pro slick and 20lb mono leader, haven't landed anything decent on this set up yet besides for some small blues, but the action on the rod is great, super light set up.

my other set up is 9' lami 1081L and vs150 with 30lb braid/20lb leader.

The lami throws 1/2oz epoxy jigs and albie snax like crazy and topwaters really far and i know it's got backbone from crushing nice stripers on it this spring.
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Great response guys. Thanks so much! Thank you all for your feedback and time.

So I'm looking for 8-8.5'

Steelhead taper, faster action with a crisp rebound after the cast, looking to send 1-1.5 or less ounces to the Azores.

And a 4k-5k sized reel.

Got it! Thank you.
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I would go 4500 or larger (using 1 1/4 Hogy's most of the time). Stood next to Justin last year and watched him get spooled on a 4000. Line did not break, but there was only a half lap of braid left when the fish gave. Largest albie I have seen first hand. Maybe in the 13 lb class. That and the 8.5 Ben Doerr will just about reach the beach at the Gut.

5k it is.

Sold, sold, sold
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yeah, I'd up it to an 80 or 130 reel. If you mag the drag you should be able to cast them pretty good!