HI NormC
I started off with a Penn Powerstick 5'6" and a curado 201b(left hand wind)
Penn was bought at K-Mart and still is a back-up with a calcutta on it
now have a Loomis rod (GL2 CR665 5-12kg) but still use the curado
For casting in the sticks it's a great combo though VERY hard to stop the big girls (sore thumb )
Just my two bob's
Cheers
Sy