I fish a bait caster, on a 6'8" St Croix rod, in the fresh water. (Well... not that I fish fresh water since I hit the salt.

)
Right now I have an ok PENN PG3000 spinning reel on an 8' PENN Newport rod. Bought it for piers but use it in the surf.
I'm going to upgrade for the spring and right now I plan on going to a PENN Slammer spinning reel on a 9' St Croix or Lami rod. I really like my St Croix so that will prob win out.
That's my .02. Just some ideas.
Rob
BTW:
If I were in a boat, I'd prob get a conventional reel.