I have the same rod, the 8' Heavy. I put an Abu on mine but it hasn't been working to well. If you don't oil it down frequently, the thing that you push to freespool the reel (I don't know what it's called!) will start sticking. It won't pop into gear when you start cranking and you have to lift it up with your fingernail. I recommend a Calcutta 400 cuz I just got one and it's really smooth and casts really well.