rods and reels?

With so many rods and reels on the market what do you think is a solid rig for casting and trolling. I have used a mitchell 300 with 6.5 foot ugly stick for a long time but would like to know what you have had long time performance with.

IN RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTION ON RODS AND REELS I HAVE HAD EXCEPTIONAL PREFORMANCE WITH ANY SHIMANO PRODUCT WITHOUT THE "E-Z CAST FEATURE" THAT SEEMED TO THROW THE REEL OUT OF BALANCE FOR ME AND WAS STRANGE TO OPERATE DUE TO THE FACT I LIKE TO USE MY FINGER TO THE LINE,,,I LIKE THE STRADIC SERIES AND ALSO FOR THE PRICE THE SLADE IS AN OPTION,,, I USE 6' SPINNING RODS BY SHIMANO MED ACTION,,THEY ALL R PRETTY GOOD W/ THE NEW GRAPHITES AND TEAM THAT UP W/ 10/4 FIRE LINE AND IT IS A WINNING COMBO FOR ALMOST ANYTHING YOU NEED,,,GOOD LUCK