hi george, i'm not sure how much i could help an old salt like you, but FWIW, i operate on a budget, and within those limitations i have found a couple spin combinations that work for me (along the lines of light tackle, long casts, responsive and strong rods).
as you know, there are a gazillion rod manufacturers, but it seems most of the west coast "bass" guys use G Loomis rods.....i cant afford these......as such, my aresenal contains much "cheaper" weapons. i have only good things to say about the much less expensive shimano and (yes believe it or not) newer series ugly stick rods which sell for only $30-$50.
i also found shimano's spirex reels to be absolutely wonderful. i have a couple pairings that include spirex spinner mated with a 6'6 ugly stick lite rod, and a spirex spinner mated with a 7' shimano clarus. these two combinations have worked for me to catch everything from BG to 3+ pound spotted and smb, to 7+ lb lmb, and 5+ lb trout. lately i have preferred the moss green color p-line in 6 or 8 lb test. the shimano clarus rod has alot of backbone and a fast tip, while the ugly stick seems to be a little more parabolic but are bullet proof, you can really lay into them and work the fish quickly.
good luck on yer spinning outfitting quest...
