i prefer heavier tackle unless im finnesse fishing i use medium heavy or heavy action i dont like whippy rods.a medium heavy spinning outfit is a good all round combo.for pike or muskie i would go with a 7ft heavy action rod and baitcaster reel spoooled with at least 14lb test.i own 3 shimano rods and they have been very sensitive and durable.i also own a few berkley rods very durable.last year i got a bass pro rod for free and this has proven itself over the course of a season.got a st chroix yesterday seems very nice cant wait to test it.as for reels u cant go wrong with shimano.ive owned quite a few and still use some over 10yrs old extremely durable.not a big fan of quantum i own 2 and both have quirks.this past spring started using some pfluger reels i must say im very impressed lots of bang for the buck,not overly expensive.the president baitcaster and spinning reel.