I throw my size 7's on 7' medium action Bass Pro Cranking stick with a BPS 5.3:1 reel 12 lb Flourocarbon I also put #4 Gamagatsu hooks on the back and for my #5's I use a 7' medium spinning Berkley Lightning Rod with a BPS spinning reel 10 lb Flourocarbon I also change the rear hooks to a #6 Gamagatsu these combos work well for me I hardly lose fish I think having good hooks make a world of difference both combos can be purchased for about $100-150 each