Baitcasting Rod and Reel

[WallStreetAmigo]

Christmas is coming and my wife has asked what I want.......I have decided that I need a good baitcasting rod and reel. Winters are long up here and I will have plenty of time to practice and hopefully get good at it by next spring.

All I use right now are spinning reels, but I'm looking to expand my horizons. I have been asking around and was recommended a Quantum Tour Edition PT Casting Rod paired with a Quantum Accurist PT reel. In reading up on them, they look to be pretty good (although I admit I am not an expert on the subject). I am thinking that a longer MH baitcasting rod would probably cover many different applications, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I tend to like longer rods because I'm very tall and I tend to favor 20lb powerpro because it works well for me.

What are the most important features to look for in a baitcasting setup? I would prefer a setup that can handle many different types of tackle and presentations.

BTW, I was looking through the Cabelas site at baitcast reels and I saw one that was $650 bucks (Calais DC). I told my wife that I wanted that reel for christmas (just to see her have a spaz when she saw the price...lol). She didn't even bat an eye and told me she would get it for me if I really wanted it..... talk about temptation.