What's considered some of the best rod/reel combos for Red and Trout fishing? Baitcasting or Spinning? Specific brands, models, etc?

My all around setup is a Abu Garcia Revo STX sitting on a 6'9" Waterloo Slam Mag. It's a medium action, ex-fast taper rod. I can cast 1/16 oz jigheads to Spooks with no problem.

I throw a CORE 50Mg7 on a 6'6" Waterloo Slam Mag II and I haven't found a setup that feels/performs better than this one...

GLoomis rods, Shimano reels

Shimano Chronarch 50mg, 20lb braid, Waterloo HP light 6'7".

You can't go wrong with the FTU Green Rods...my choice... but it really depends on you preference. Shimano Reels are an excellent choice as well as many other high end brands but here is no limit to the $$$ you can spend! If you get a chance go and talk to some of the staff at you local tackle shop or FTU in Houston if you are down that way.

There are too many variables, and thank goodness we have choices...in my rod holders are the following for the jobs they work best for:

7 1/2 TTF spinning rod 2500 shimano w/20 lb power pro for throwing 1/8 oz sassy shad tailed baits.

7' stiff spinning rod (homemade, couldn't ever find what I wanted on the rack) 2500 shimano w/20 lb power pro for sand eels, the stiffer rod puts a better action on the eel, and solid hookups at the end of a long cast.

7' med/heavy castaway w/quantum accurist for topwater action, stiffer tip puts the right move on the top dog type baits.

7 1/2 med casting rod w/quantum iron reels 15 lb ande backcountry for spoon/chatter baits.

8' shimano crankbait rod w/diawa 7:1 reel, 15 lb ande for winter rattle trap work.

The other gazillion rods in the rod closet are all close variations of those setups.

I like my chronarch 50 on a 7' castaway.
until I saved up and got a core. I like it.

Something real light, medium power, at least 6'6 with a fast tip and a good spinning reel. Baitcasters have their place but for overall I pick spinning. The only thing a baitcaster does better is allow you to stop your lure right at the bank or weedline with your thumb. If you are just hurling stuff away from you as far as possible, I would go with spinning so wind doesn't beceome as much of an issue. This is if I had to pick one. Obviously, different lures and situations could have better choices but over all I would go with what I said at first. Something light like Carrotstik, Veritas, Vendetta, American Rodsmilth, Bucoo and so on. Most are split grip. Reel? Shimano, duh. 12 lb mono for moving/reaction lures. 50lb braid for bait that sits on bottom.