I use a carrot stick drop shot rod heavy with xfast tip with a shimano 2500 symetre reel (which I think is the best reel possible for flurocarbon). But I have to agree with the veritos, they are awesome rods!!!! I fish Shakey heads ALOT! and I prefer the 7' + ones but I like them a little stiffer than most - I can't stand the Skeet Reese Rods because they are "noodly" to me but again just my opinion on the topic