Daiwa Grand Wave 5000BR? Matching to a rod?

[reelfishin]

Hi,
I just picked up a new Daiwa Grand Wave 5000BR spinning reel and was wondering what would be a good rod for this. It will be used mostly just for tossing live bait, mostly surf clams, and will need to be pretty stout. I'm over 6' tall, and can easily handle a longer rod, but I don't really think a super long pole is definitely the answere. I wasn't really shopping for a new reel, but got a deal I couldn't refuse.
I just want a rod that will allow me take full advantage of the capabilities of this reel

I looked at several options, and was considering a Surf King by Lamiglas, either the 10' model SK10MHS, or the 11' model, SK11MHS, as well as a Daiwa Sealine, SL-SA1132XHRS, which has a 10oz rating, and a 11' Okuma Solaris. The line ratings and max weights are confusing and can only be taked as a guide, I have an old Daiwa Eliminator that can out throw many poles that carry a much heavier rating.
I had always fished mostly from a boat, but have just recently started to get back to surf fishing. I looked at a few higher end rods, and really didn't like the feel, I prefer a rod that has a very fast taper and strong spine, I can't stand feeling the handle flex in my hands when fighting a fish. I have an older St Croix that is like that, it's rated at a high weight, but feels like a whip with even the slightest weight, and has far too much flex down low near the handle.
I didn't see much selection in a live bait spinning rod locally, everything I see is either 1-6 oz rated or less, or way out of my price range.
I've always fished lures on spinning reels, and live bait on a conventional reel, this reel will be something new, besides, I like the way the Daiwa spinners cast, I have several Daiwa Emblems and wouldn't trade them for anything. I am hoping that the Grand Wave will be a similar reel, although the Grand Wave is a bit heavier.