I'm interested in purchasing a good combo for top water and/or shallow depth fishing in the spring when the stripers are chasing shad. What would be a good combo for this type of fishing? I am looking for something light-weight since a great deal of casting is required (casting with a heavy rod and reel can become tiring pretty quickly). I am also looking for a reel that can cast smoothly and with good distance. A high gear ratio isn't important since the top water baits we use are floaters. More interested in power and good drag to fight the big ones, lol.

Thanks.