IA,
I have broken one slammer in my life, and it was 12+ years old and was rated lighter than I was using it (plus it had caught a few thousand Blackfish, it was tired) I think they are sensitive enough for blackfishing and have PLENTY of muscle to keep em out of the rocks... Also used these rods to take bass, blue, and even sharks.. great bang for the buck...
I like ugly sticks too, but for blackfish it is slammer or nada for me... but then again we are stuck in our ways and what do I know anyways
Go with what rod feels right...
About the reel, I use a 113H senator.. own a 965 for plus and fluke... but I guess the 975 would be fine
Bryan