I dont know if they are the best or not but I use Shimano speedmaster with a 6:1 ratio, married
up with Okuma or Lama glass rods. I like the faster reels for picking up a lot of line and lead fast.
I also have a Ambassadeur 7000 married up to an ugly stick, that works real good. If your not a
proficent caster the shimanos could cause you some big headachs.