Casting setup for max distance - Help

[Chadster]

I am looking to put togather a spinning reel and rod combo for casting that will provide the best distance with smaller (1/4 -3/8 ounce) cranks. Hope to maintain some sensativity(graphite), and be able to handle 25-28 inch fish.

My thoughts are either a 7 or 7'6 one piece rod in ML or M weight and fast action. I looked at the St. Croix Premier 7' M and 7'6" ML. Pair this with a US reel large diameter spool reel. Line would be possibly sprider wire stealth braid in 8 lb.

Used for fishing from shore in to slack water, but after hooking fish hey can get in to current, so need enough backbone to deal with that.

What do you think? any other worhty considerations. Really looking for distance with smaller cranks. THanks

I use a pair of rods. The one that is almost always in my hand is a 7' st. croix Tournament walleye series..the 'deep cranker' model. Paired with a Stradic 2500 and 15# Power Pro. The other rod has the same reel 10# pro and is a 7'6" 'live bait' rod of the same line...that one gets even better distance but as you mentioned there is a bit of an issue when a large fish gets into current.

I have not tried the US Reels, had thought about getting one, but heard almost unanimously negative comments on the quality.

With light baits you are definitely going to get more distance with a longer, lighter action rod but as you observed in some situations you will be craving the extra power. I have found the above two rods to be the happiest medium for my purposes...this is one of my favorite kinds of fishing.

[Further North]

I have an 8' light spinning rod that was custom made by a guy here in town that does an outstanding job of getting light lures way, way out there...but I think you're right about it having a lot of snot for horsing a fish out of tough cover or heavy current.

Seems like a trade off...what we need is a rod made of some unobtanium-like substance that stiffens up when we press button on the handle...

[caffeineforall]

I my self am going through a similar dilema as I love fishing jigs from shore but my new lake is rocky and eats anything over 1/8th for lunch.

2 Rods I have found so far peak my interest, as I am on a budget they are on the cheaper end.

First is a shakespear, 9' medium action. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...n.aspx?a=56589

Second is a cabelas euro zander rod 8' medium light action (i think) http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...3110036a#chart

both under 60 bones.