For an ugly stick, the action is always moderate to slow. They can take one heck of a beating, but are not the fastest rods out there to say the least. They are very good for trolling.

Diawa regal xia 2500 to 4000 for $55 or if you want something cheaper the okuma travertine for $25

try the pflueger president reel it is affordable and hold up well at about $50
for a cheaper price pflueger gx7 for $30

I dont use crankbaits with spinning rods but i trust this rod enough that it probably can be worked with a crankbait.

The rod would handle the situation perfectly.

If you are going to be casting, which I assume you are, stay away from the Ugly Sick rods. Yes, they are almost indestructible but thats about all. They are OK for trolling or jigging. Spend a few extra bucks and get a bass Pro Shops rod of about the same price in 6.5 ft medium action with straight handle.

Shimanos are good reels. Good present. An all around rod for fresh water is a 6'6" M rod. Shorter rods are best on boats, longer rods help with casting farther. Start with a 6'6" M and you will be able to do almost anything with it. Line is the key. Use the lightest line you can get away with for wary fish. 8lb fluorocarbon will work for most fishing you will do though.

That is an answer that's not as easy as it would seem. I'm using a 6'6" medium heavy rod for heavy cover. I coupled this with 80lb test braid (50-65lb will suffice). Now, I am not wealthy, far from it. So I picked a reel that was inexpensive yet would work for me. There are two reel types to look at: Spinning and bait casters. Spinning is more known for using plastics and can be used for heavy cover but I found that a bait caster makes more sense. Next, if you go with that, what would you use? Well, there are several good ones out there under $100. The first thing I would say is how fast of a retrieve would you like? 5:3:1 and 6:3:1 are probably the most used and known. Basically, the higher that first number, the faster the retrieve. You have to be careful. For instance, I have more rod reel combos (all Ugly Stiks). The bait caster reels are Daiwa. Two are 5:3:1 on 5'6" trigger rods and the other is a 6:3:1 on a 6'6" trigger rod. When I used a Strike King Swim Jig on the 5'6," I caught two bass. Not realizing the speed of the 6'6" rod, I used the same bait and was reeling it in too fast. So, the speed has a lot to do with what you are looking for. The next thing is feel. You should go in to Bass Pro shop and try out different reels and I would suggest trying even ones well outside of your budget so you can get an idea of how reels work. So, I can't give you an exact reel to use, I would suggest which reel works best for what you want to achieve and then narrow it down to speed and feel.

It's great for all different kinds of fishing. especially heavy covor!

I'm Base-ing this On I reading this question On the Page where there is Spinning Rods and the 7 Foot Rod In Weighted for 8 -15 Line .. Ok So using 15 Pound test on the High In Of the scale and I guessing a 5/8 OZ Lure In Heavy cover Sounds like it going to be a Jig or a Maybe a worm in use.. Could be some Kind of braid Line Like Fire-line or Spider-wire . So want Reel ? I My Self have Used a Lot of Spinning reels Brands But I Keeping coming back to Shimano Brand of Reels and I sure Bass Pro make a great Spinning I Love there Bait-casters Reels .. Best the Best In that size that Uses that 15 Pound test as the Avg size Line on Most reel spools with the Most bearings with a front Drag. I feel Is better. Money ( cost) then Becomes the Problem ... Some times In the Long run a 30 dollar real Is the better buy If you in saltwater Fishing and if it breaks Down go get a New reel.. or if you do a lot of wading in where You reel could get wet more . I just can't see Putting a 250 dollor reel In those areas But You must have a smooth drag that set right ... No More than 1/3 of the Line test so for a 15 pound Line test You reel slip at 5 pounds of Pull max Pull I some times set it to 1/4 of the line Pull and must do that test every time that make a good reel whatever the Brand It is ..I know I gave you the run around with this question but It's want I feel about what a reel has to do and Not Fail at that time a Big fish get on. I Myself use a Shimano Sonora it a Mid Priced reel Cause I wade Rivers Allot and Fish Ponds for Big Catfish ( 20 # Cats) No Problem using 10 Pound Line . This reel Just hangs in there ..Oh I have 4 Of them Plus I bought My Dad One all On Different size Rods for me So i guess that a good call for a Reel .. Also I bought a Shamano Speed-master reel In 1977 in High School I Still Have the reel and It still works but I Re-tired It Last year. and I did allot of fishing with that Reel . from Canada Walleye & Northern to Missouri Small mouths to SW Fla. Snook .Same Reel.. I hope that clears some of Real talk Up !!

To be honest, I wouldn't use an Ugly Stik for casting heavy lures. There is a huge amount of flex in these rods. I would go for a graphite rod. Whatever you choose, look on the rod. It tells you the lure weight suggestions. For a spinning rod, a MH or H will be required to huck lures of that weigt. Look where it has the rod info near the handle. It will tell you.

the handles are a hard foam type stuff, but they are very durable

I've only seen straight handled spinning rods and on the US the cover is a soft but durable rubbery something or other.