for reds...

what do you guys find to be best-suited for artificial bait-castin'...

I like a 7'-7.5' M-MH Alstar graphite rod and a PENN reel that will hold atleast 200yds of 20# mono (spinning or Bait casting to your preference)

cool... right now I have a new allstar graphite rod (7 foot) and a new shimano citica 200d baitcast reel... this was my first weekend using it and it did very very well... but we weren't casting artificials... I've always been more comfortable throwing artificial with spin-cast reels... maybe looking for a good one for that...

same rod with an abu garcia spin caster reel.

if you are wade fishing,buy a castaway 6ft.6 speck and red wader
rod with a 50 calcutta,12lb. big game.you can fish all day and
not get tired.this is my choice.

Bait casting is the only way to go with artificials for me. I find that the action is controlled much easier with just twitching your wrist using a baitcaster. I also hate dealing with the twisted line on spinning rods. I'll use spinning rods when fishing for white/black bass with really light baits but anyting over 1/16 ounce you can bet I'll be throwing with my Pfluger supreme and waterloo 6'9" hp casting...</.02>

ABU 5000 on an alstar shrimp tail rod for my baitcaster...mid priced shimano reel on a texas tackle co. "Red Killer II" for the rod...this was the first trip last weekend i could not use the 5000 due to the high wind throwing a light stick bait. I suggest you get both a good spinning reel and baitcaster and use depending on the conditions

7' M Casataway w/ ABU 4601 loaded with 12lb Stren. You can chunk and wind all day. I always take a spinning setup just in case of high or head winds. 7' American Rodsmith w/ Shimano Sahara 4000 with 10lb test. Both setups are inexpensive and plenty tough for all day saltwater action.

Depends on your price point. Are we talking $50, or $500?
So you like a soft rod, or a stiff one?
Do you use mono or braid?
Saltwater of fresh?
The weight of your jigs will have a profound impact on both your choice of reel, and line.
If your gong light, get a spinning set-up.

I throw a Curado SUPER FREAK (super free model) on a 7'6" Trout Killer II rod. Deadly combo for both spex and spotz.