Salt water rod for Lakers at the 'Chu?'

Question, what type of gear would you use to catch lakers at Wachusett? 6.5' rods, 7'? I saw some kids last year with 9' and 10' salt water rods, and I asked why were they using them - They replied so they can cast the lure waaaay out there, because the lakers run far and deep from shore.

Is using a 10' salt rod fine for this?

I know Krocodiles, Kastmasters are fine enough lures but can one throw a shiner that far too?

What pound test would you recommend?

I was figuring running medium 7' rod with a Carolina-Rig setup, 12lb main mono line to a 1oz sliding sinker, bead, swivel to 8lb fluorocarbon directly tied to a spoon. Is this ok?

Thanks in advance!

-Marlon

I've seen guys using the long rods wachusett too. They claim they can cast out to the deeper water and there fore catch more fish. Yet that day I caught 6 lakers and they only caught 3. I use a 7'-7.5' foot rod but I am thinking of getting a 8'-8.5' rod in the future for casting spoons. I am not going to by a saltwater rod but rather a salmon or steelhead style rod. They are much lighter than a surf rod and more flexible.