wI use a 7'0'' power 6 lamiglas competitor series..witha 5.1.1. Shimano Curado..this rod handles the L.A. SLiders, river 2-sea, and Mission fish very well for me....the Reel is the biggest part of the combop, make sure to get a 5.1.1 or slower as these baits will put to much stress ona 6.2.1...If you are loooking fora top of the line rod I would suggest going with the lamigals swimbait special, or ST. Croix makes a few rods that will suit these baits, including the "BIG JIG" rod in their legend tournament series, or a 7'3'' MH avid series..whatever you do get the best you can afford, and sticka toad:) ryan