Shimano & St. Croix
Make an excellent combo for tailwater fishing.This is my personal combo that consists of a 10'6" ft. St. Croix Ben Doerr Surf System Rod and a Shimano Big Baitrunner Long Cast(also called "Big Pit").The reel features a larger diameter reverse taper ABS spool that reduces friction by 50% and gives longer casting performance combined with a free spool baitrunner feature and has 6 ball bearings.This reel holds 600 yrds of 12lb test. This combo is great for small to med. size channel & flathead cats and can reach a distance to atleast 120 yrds with 2oz so far.With a rating of 10-25 lb. test and up to 6oz. this rod can also handle the bigger cats when needed.
Daiwa's Infinity
Features the "Big Pit" style larger diameter reverse taper ABS spool that reduces friction by 50% and gives longer casting performance combined with a free spool baitrunner feature.This is the style of distance casting reel thats growing very popular over in England for carp.Gear ratio of 4:2.1 for increased winding power, 5 ball bearings. They make two sizes of this reel, but its only found over in the United Kingdom and would run about $450-$500 american currency.Holds 400 yrds of 15lb test line. But those of you looking for ultimate distance and a baitrunner feature this is the top of the line, followed by the Shimano Baitrunner long cast that i own.(in the first picture at top of page)
Daiwa Emblem ZA
Long Cast X-Treme ABS Aluminum Spool
* 5 Ball Bearings Plus 1 Roller Bearing
* Infinite Anti-Reverse
* Spare Aluminum Spool
* Tempered Aircraft Aluminum Gears And Worm Gear Shaft
* Titanium Nitrided Ball Bearing Line Roller
* Selective Self-Centering Rotor
* Centrifugal Line Guard
* Massive Multi-disc Drag
They make three sizes of these reels-4500, 5000, 5500
The 4500 holds 14/310,17/230,20/180
This is an American reel sold for surf fishing and works great for Tailwater Distance casting too...only draw back is they dont have a baitrunner feature.