Hey guys, I just purchased a GL 2 Swimbait rod and was looking for some suggestions as to what reel and line to pair up with this rod. The particular rod is rated for 3-8oz. lure weight. I am assuming braid would be the best choice in the 50lb range.

What do you guys think?

Calcutta, Pluton, Curado 300ej, Cardiff, millionaire, ambassador. Round reels are ideal for big swimbaits. Can't comment on all of the reels but I do like the Pluton, Cardiff, and ambassador. I would use braid 50-65lb.

Depends on what you want to throw on that rod. Anything as big or bigger than a 8" hudd, you'd probably want a Shimano 400 size reel or equivalent. For swimbaiting, the Calcutta 400TE is gold. A cheaper alternative would be the Cardiff 400A. The Daiwa Luna 300 size too.

The trouble with those big swimbaits is that you would need capacity for enough 25 to 30 lb test line (mono/ copoly).

The Daiwa Pluton has a smaller line capacity, but it was designed to be used with braid.

50 lb braid has what, 12 lb mono diameter? I'd like to have thicker line than that if I were you. The problem is not line strength, but shock strength. The big baits take a tremendous toll on the rod, reel, line, the whole system.

There's some great info here: http://southerntrouteaters.com/SouthernTroutEaters/Products.html