A few questions for a new setup.

[vabeachbass]

I plan on getting my first big boy setup and leaving behind a ultralight deal I used for many years.

I know little of rods and even less of reels.
Let me say first that practically all my fishing is from shore with soft plastics. I like to fish the banks around bushes and trees and the occasional sunken shopping cart.

In looking and doing some research, I had my eye first on a Diawa TD-pro. But reading reviews and around sites they mentioned saving a few bucks and going with the exceler series. I've never used a Diawa. Any complaints on their products? I was planning on pairing this up with a 7' rod (or maybe a little shorter) and am not sure if I should go with a 2500 or 3000.

In reading up on rods and not wanting to lose the sensitivity I origionally planned on a fast tip. But reading around, some sites say going with a moderate tip for fishing soft baits. So now I'm left with that dilemma. To add to it I planned on going with a medium rod. My dad recomends medium heavy. Some places I fish are really tight without alot of swinging room.

I was planning on buying the reel online, and my dad made the excellent suggestion of actually handling a rod before buying, even if I still plan on buying a rod online as well. Blinded by wanting to save $$$ by going with an online deal it was common sense that hadn't occured to me until he said it. Next week, I'm heading to BPS to check out a rod.