Well i fish Erie and Lake Ontario, i don't like long rods (easier to net fish with short rods) i have 8 of the 7 foot 1 piece Ugly Stik in Both med and mh they are indestructible, you need a good reel with the line counters. I have the Tekotta 300 LC on all my rods but have 2 of the Okuma Coldwater 203D and for the price an excellent choice. As far as boards everyone has the Offshore brand but once you upgrade to the tattle flags and clips they are pricey (Franks great outdoors has the best deal on the boards with the upgrades) in 20 years i have lost 2 boards and because i put my name on them i got 1 back so its not like you are buying them yearly. I second the Scotty riggers, can't go wrong with them. Where were all you guys when i sold my Rigger Sticks? Don't buy cheap crap....in the end it only costs you more when you upgrade to the stuff you should have bought the first time.....nice boat, enjoy