I would have to say go with a loomis med and the Shimano Stradic® 2500MgFB. I have a ST1000 on a light loomis i use for crappie and and skips. I was fishing At cannelton **** for skips last fall, while reeling in some bait a 17 pound striper came up and hit the bait fish. I was only using 4 pound P-line and was able to land the striper, took 35 mins (lol) but the light wieght gear handled that nice fish. I dont think you could go wrong with Shimano reels and a loomis rod, but that is just my thaughts. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

Chris