Welcome
!
A 7 or 8 foot medium heavy power rod is plenty for the inlets. Make sure it is capable of handling the lb test line you want to use and the weight you plan on throwing. I think the Shimano Baitrunner is a good choice for a reel. It is a good multipurpose reel. The only downside is that it does not have the longest cast out there. It is not specifically made for surf casting, but if you plan on fishing live bait, but still want the spinning reel for plugging and lures and the ability to chunk too...the Baitrunner would be my pick from Shimano in that price range. The 6000 size is good for what you want to do. I use a 6000 size Shimano Stradic on my 9 foot surf rod, but it would be too large for me on my Bay/Inlet rod. The only way to know for sure is to try it out. Try it on both rods you are looking at or something very similar. That will tell you if it is too big, too small or just right.
Good luck. Feel free to ask away
.
