Regardless of the rod, I'd get the Penn if you only want to throw heavy mickies, and the Abu if you want to have something that can throw everything (but not cast a mickey 100 yards). Go this website http://www.hatterasoutfitters.com and check out the Reel Candy page. I would get a power handle and the smoothie metal drag washers to start off with. You can upgrade the performance/casting distance more by getting premium bearings and the dual bearing level wind later.