I believe Daiwa offer the best features for the $$$$
Pa, NJ & ME. For stream trout !
The ultra lights I prefer are 6.6 Phoenix ,rated 2-4 lb , UL power 1 piece !
I use @ 1000 Daiwa Ballistic reel !
I’ve taken thousands of trout on this set up to 10#’s , loved it so much bought one as backup !
Purchase a rod only , cast it or cast a few to see which one is best for your cast technique !
Then fill in the dots ! If your a poor caster then an expensive rod will not cure your faults ! If you can cast a fly rod decently then the rod differences will be apparent at the git go !
I say it again if your going to fish actively then look & Daiwa BG series ! If your a casual fishermen and do not fish more then a few times a year , you can get away with most 50/ 60 $ reels easily !
Daiwa BG ‘s Best Buy out there ! Any reel that’s been around over 40 years is fine for me , luv mine !
I’ve got mostly all Daiwa now 20 of em casting , salt and spin no issues !
Salttigas super spin n conventional !
Aqua Seal will do it if you can find the leak!
Gary Loomis new rod company “ EDGE “ !
Unbelievable weight , tapers and design !
Usually run a sale about now , check out their website !!
All American made in Wa. State ! I have several love em ‘ !
I’ve caught many on crabs n shrimp with former my overall choice !
My buddy had a boat down their and we ran to the gulf wrecks 60 miles or so west of marathon fla ! Hot lite tackle fishing for permit up to 30/40 lbs !
I’m sure u can charter a boat that specializes in the offshore wreck fishery and you could have a great trip for sure !
I own and have fished the 300/400 Lexus !
A sound reel with no issues so far after 2 years wreck fishing , stripers etc ! Great drags and capacity is fine for my needs ! I have hi speeds , not best choice for deep water however overcome torque issues by utilizing rod !
Most reels within reason size, and capacity will work on this rod !
Ideal reel would be #5 or 5/6 size ! The reel on most light rods is expected to hold line and backing , drag can be marginal , direct drives are best .
I believe the uni loop is up around 95% ! After the knot line should test as advertised
Uni loop very easy to tie and extremely reliable even light line !
Blue Fox gold 0’s & 1’s get all the brookies you want !
Walk um’ down across fish seams don’t reel just float em’ with blade spinning in current ‘
Slow water u must reel obiviously or you will be losing lures !
Great start ! And he didn’t have to make 1000 casts 🎣😜