Rod/Reel options and questions

[Round Hill Guy]

I have a penn 6500SS as of right now. I really started getting into shore fishing last summer and this reel didn't give me any problems. I have been looking at the Daiwa Emblem Pro series reels. It looks really nice, as i want to have a really good set up this summer. If i buy that reel which is 139.99, what rod would be a good casting rod? I don't chunk baits, mostly just cast plugs and live eels off a rocky point. I need to be able to throw a plug real far, haha as far as possible. What sort of rod do i need, ie,,, how long, what type, how much money? Also on my Penn reel i tore it down and i noticed it doesn't have a disk drag system, its like a rubber washer that gets mashed against the spool, is that right? allright to sum up, is the daiwa a good reel? what rod should i get to maximize casting distance?

[Round Hill Guy]

alright well it looks like no one is answering. Ill just summarize, should i get the Daiwa Emblem Pro series reel and like a lamiglas or st. croix rod. I went and made some casts with my old rod today and i could only throw a heavy plug 50-60 yds. Is that a lot or a little?

[Sudsy]

I've never fished an Emblem pro but I've heard good things about them. I've got the 1600 and 2600SS Tournement reels, I've used em for a lot of years and been very happy with them. From what I've been told the Emblem Pro is a step up.

As for the distance with the lure, no one can answer that question. First, what were you using to cast it, reel? rod? line? Also, different lures can be casted different distances. If it was a large metal lipped pikie 60 yards is great, if it was an aerodynamic plug like a pencil popper, 60 yards really sucks eggs.

Lami or St. Croix - like choosing between chocolate and vanilla - they're both good. Play with a few at the local shops and see which one you like best.