975 w/ levelwind is very forgiving reel especially if you are new to coventionals IMHO. Used one last season and was impressed with it. MikeCC @ M&D's has the 975 w/ levelwinds at a super price - fyi. I have 50 lb PP on mine.
I started last year with an Abu C-5 mag-x 6600 and 17 lb mono and then went to 30 lb stealth after a month of use. Thicker mono will make picking out rats nests easier.
Any magnetic braked reel with aid in over runs.
If you are going to be fishing in the dark - the fish are close to shore so distance isn't usually an issue. Practice outside and make sure you casting motion is fluid without a wrist snap and you will be OK.
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