I own the following rods & reels.
2 - St. Croix spinning rods, ES66MLF with Stradics on them.
2 - St. Croix casting rods, EC66MHF, with Shimano Calais.
2 - St. Croix casting rods, EC60MF, with Shimano Calais.
1 - St. Croix casting rod, EC66MF, with Shimano Chronarch.
1 - St. Croix casting rod, EC70MF, with Shimano Chronarch.
1 - St. Croix flipping stick, EC76MHF, with Shimano Castaic.
1 - St. Croix flipping stick, AC710HF, with Shimano Castaic.
I chose the St. Croix rods because of the feel that I get from the rod and Shimano reels because of the casting ease and control of the lures..