John,
This is a great point:
"Clamdigger, working Narragansett Bay for many, many years, saw places of the bay that were uncovered that he's never seen the water completely recede from."
Nothing in the tides have changed in the last 1000 years, or so that I know of. There is more in the tide book than most people realize. However, I can assure you that Clamdiggers tide was predicted in the "BIBLE". I.e. (Eldridge Tide and pilot book.)
Now Reels, My self, on the boat, I use Jigmasters, Peen 0/3s and 0/4s. Spinning Rods, I use 6 1/2 foot two piece Ugly Sticks. I have A Penn 750ss on one. However, I would recommend "GRAPHITE" Reels, what ever you like. Reason when you make hundreds of casts, "GRAPHITE" is clearly the way to go!
Conventional Rods, You know where I do my shopping. I would go there and try some out and see how they feel. That is really the best way to go.
Later
Threaded Mode