new pole advice.

[tattoobob]

I would get a 9 footer and can the Oakuma reel buy a Penn

[gone fishin]

I saw a couple of Tsunami graphite rods in action this past weekend at the MSBA MBBA casting contest and was really impressed. Great action in that blank. Go with a Penn reel.

[labrax]

Tica Dolphin, Tsunami, or Daiwa Sealine-X - any one of those you should be able to get as a spinner in 9' for 1-3oz for $60-$70. I bet you can get a reel for another $60-$100 (tica libra, penn 550SSG, shimano spheros - 8000) that would last a long time with that rod.

Good luck with your decision.