Spinning / Float

Sadly, my sea-angling is usually limited to a couple of holidays a year: once to the UK and once to Ireland. I've been using the same tackle for over 30 years, which for spinning/plugging and float work was a rod I made-up myself from a Conoflex 10 ft glass-blank with a Fuji seat and cork handle. This rod has caught everything from salmon and sea-trout to bass and flounders ! Anyway, I thought I might treat myself to something a little-lighter ! Weight is important but even more so is quality, both the blank and the fittings. What do you guys use and/or recommend ?

My 10 footer was originally coupled with a Mitchell 410, but this was a little worn, so I bought a Grauvel Smart. This in turn is looking decidedly worse for wear, so I'll ask you the same question ; what reel do you guys use/recommend for intensive spinning/ float work ? Quality-wise , there's probably nothing better than Shimano, but they don't come cheap !

Thanks- Andy

Andy hello.Shimano are great reels and are not the prices you think they are.Pick up a new baitrunner in Argos of all places £40.00 ish when they're in.Stellas etc are astronomical in price even second hand.What you need is a 4-5000 size reel with a good eliptical line lay so the line doesn't dig in under load.Okuma/Daiwa/Shimanos all fall under the £50.00 mark depending on size.I am spinning and float fishing with an Okuma Interceptor 55 and have paid only £29.99 for it.It has a baitrunner/metal spool and spare graphite spool/paddle handle also and has done me well for the last 11 months.If I keep it clean and it should last at least beyond the warranty period.Salt build up/lack of maintenance is the big killer on all reels.A reel doesn't need to be expensive to serve you well.
Hope this is of some help.