Hi to all of you guys, I'm just getting more specific in my jerkbait technique thanks to bassresource videos, and I recently purchase a St Croix Mojo 6'8 Medium power Extra fast tip, I know it is not the lighter one but I'm really happy with it and, cast very well and the better is how it's reactive in working the baits. I usually throw LC flash pointer 100, staysee 90, MB oneten original, R+1 to R+3, I'm from Spain and here in Europe we can get the R+3 really do not know if it is the same you labelled as +2.
Anyway I think the most important aspect it's to have not the lighter combo but the right balance, IMO.
Here bass don't grow as in US, so the biggest one can reach at most 9 pounds, so I use very thin braid line in 8 to 10 lbs test and that allows me to avoid leader and I sed the drag accordingly.
About the right reel it depends on personal fishing style, I prefer HG to XG gear ratio (7.1 to 8.1) in order to reel slack fast during the twitch.
For example I use Chronarch MGL HG to balance my St Croix.
A Tatula elite is another good option in the Daiwa brand but I really think the best It is probably Aldebaran HG MGL 50 size spool. MGL spool has almost no start up inertia and helps casting light lures very well.
Aldebaran is an expensive choice but if you can afford it, just go!