In the creeks, I use an 8-footer with a 2500 series Shimano.

On the big water, I use a 10-footer with a 4000 series Shimano, but I'll break that creek setup out on the big water too...both work fine.

I think a lot of it is just what you're most comfortable with though. The very first FNF smallie I caught was on an 8'6" noodle rod that I bought at the Jim Strader Show and a 1000 series Shimano Sahara...it was a 22-incher, which was a lucky start for me, but a ton of fun. I've learned that the bigger spools on the bigger series reels help you cast farther in that clear water...and help gain ground on a big fish when they make a run.