Wouldya???

[numbskull]

I spent the first 20 years of my fishing career using a 6.5 ft spinning rod and a mitchell 300 sized reel (actually an Orvis 100ss which had a line roller) with 8 lb test line as my primary saltwater outfit. With good line it will handle bass to 30 lbs and bluefish to 15 lbs pretty easily. I'd think that with braid and higher quality drags a little shaimano would be fine. You will need to use your finger on the spool for extra drag.

[Frankiesurf]

I agree with Woody on this. If you catch a decent bass it will most probably not be revived. Save the bass, go with the big stuff.

[piemma]

That's the problem I always had with fly fishing and ultra-light tackle fishing. You fight the poor fish until it is so loaded with lactic acid that no matter what you do.....it dies.

Let's be spotsmen about it and use the right gear for the right size fish.