[numbskull]

Don't start with a jigmaster (particularly with a chrome brass spool) or a squidder/newell/etc. They can be cast, but you will need to know what you are doing and how to use various oil viscosities to control them.

As the article says, get yourself a medium sized baitcasting reel like a 6500, Shimano 400, or Diawa millionare...with a levelwind. From shore, a 9 ft conventional by St Croix, Lamiglas, or Loomis will be fine. From boat, a 7ft musky rod is better. Get one rated for 1-3 oz (not 2-8oz....stiffer rods unload too fast for beginners). When learning you want to throw aerodynamic plugs near the maximum wt range for the rod, so the rod loads deeply and unloads slowly. Adjust the reel as described and it will be easier than you think. When you can handle that outfit you can then move on to longer rods, and more difficult reels, and much heavier payloads. Starting with a 10ft rod, reel without controls, and going for distance is a recipe for frustration.

The article was not meant to be the be all end all treatise on fishing with conventional tackle.....just a helper for people who want to try it but don't know how. Learning to use it does make it much easier, effective, and fun to fish large plugs for bass. For light stuff or worry free distance casting in the canal, spinning is better. Certainly if you are serious about recreational striped bass fishing, you should be proficent with both types of tackle, and a flyrod to boot.