[Gerry Zagorski]

For spinning Daiwa BG if you're on a budget or a 3000 Ballistic if you're not.

For the baitcasting Daiwa Lexa HD since it has a power handle and metal gears

I recently bought a Penn fathom 400 baitcaster as well and it's nice and smooth but pricey, has a power handle but it's a bit on the heavy side and does not balance well with some my light weight rods so a bit on the clumsy side for that application. I would think the 300 would be a better choice for a lighter rods but they don't come with the power handle.

WHATEVER YOU DO MAKE SURE AND MOUNT THE REELS ON YOUR RODS AND SEE HOW THEY BALANCE. This is especially important with the bait caster because they sit on top of the rod and taller and heavier ones want to fall over to the bottom and you need to work to keep the reel upright.