troutchaser, I'v never used the setup myself but shimano makes decent reels.. if you plan on using braided line just verify that it handles braid well , meaning that the reel lays the line on the spool fully, top to bottom... I know the high-end shimanos handle it well.. I don't know where the stradic falls... what you do not want is for there to be gaps at top or bottom of the spool... even small gaps 1/16" can be trouble with braid..
I like my rods in graphite medium fast action.. an 8-9 footer would work well from a boat or shore/surf..
good luck to yah..
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