Wouldya???

[WoodyCT]

can be murder on the fish. Long fights and multiple runs on light tackle kill fish by exhausting and stressing them.

I'd go with a stout little rod with plenty of ballz, a smaller quality reel and 20lb. Fireline so you can put the boots to them like a big rod does.

I have a 7' Allstar fast action MH that I put a VS 150 on, and it whips fish up to 40" fairly easily.

PS A sharpie I know who owns a shop in CT fishes a 9' Lami with a VS 150 most of the time. More than comfortable to use, and can whip most anything he tangles with.