I think your choice to go with the catala is a good one! I have used it, and like it a lot. I use a similar sized reel when i fish in Morro Bay too! Now for the rod, MAKE IT DUDE!! If i can make the rod with 2 hours reading, so can you. If you want to talk to me about it, email me at Boatless4now@cs.com. I am now working on a sweet stick for my friends calico bass fishing to use the famous SWIMBAITS!! Like i said, gimme an email, and i can show ya some basics, and get you hooked up with some people to call for parts, and info.

Till Later,
Joel

To fish, or not to fish, what a stupid question!!