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Start with an ABU 6500 size with 20 pound mono. Easiest reel to learn with, no mags needed. Had my son casting one in less than ten minutes with decent distance. Also use a decent line, cheap line will cause problems. Big Game mono is available everywhere and cheap enough if you need to cut it all off while learning.
I have 5 or 6 of them. For the surf I matched mine with a 10' Ben Doerr with 9 inches cut off tip. This rod is rated to 3 ounces, but only comfortable with tip cut, stock was better with 2-2 1/2 oz. I
I also have a 10' Tsunami stock rated to four ounces. This rod is a great matchup for the 6500 or 7000 narrow. With 20 pound mono, it handles plugs to at least three oz. and eels. For larger plugs I go up to my heavier tackle, but I think it would handle 4 comfortably.
A lot of guys here like the Tica rod line-up also. Haven't used so can't comment. You can get a decent outfit for under 200 bucks.
I'm not convinced that the Calcutta is the best reel. The drag IS better, but you can get two Abu's for the price of one Calcutta. Don't go with the Abu Morrum, you will be disappointed. The Calcutta has a better drag, but the new Abu drags are good, or if you get an older reel you can put Smoothie Drags in it.
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Threaded Mode