The Ambassador series of reels from Abu Garcia are not made for little baits and small lines, they are made for 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 ounce, you know typical bass baits. How about rod length? For a larger reel, 5'6 & 6' rods will be too small. They will not balance your combo out equally and will feel awkward. That's why 6'6, 7', or even 7'6 would be the best depending on fishing situations. I like 7'. Rod action? Rod action is very important. Medium-heavy would be perfect. Medium action might be too limber and not handle those 1 ounce spinnerbaits with thumping Colorado's on them. How about line? No less than 12 lb. mono. I like mono for baitcasters, and Stren is my favorite brand. For me, i would feel the reel with either 14 or 17 lb. Stren Original in clear. That's just personal preferences. Happy fishing.