the shimano rods are fine for anything you will run into on the sandy (my home river) . spool up them reels with some 12/14 # braid (14#) just for a bit exyra edge . the diamiter is so small it will feel a little different , but its tough stuff , and plenty heavy . get the bobber fishing down with those rods . for drifting , in my opinion , you cannot buy a better rod than the lamiglas G-1000 series . 8.6ft , 12# line rating , medium . pair it with a citica , some 14# braid , and your set for the sandy or clack . your current rods are just fine , the reels are fine , now get out there and fish ! ! ! STEELIES ARE IN ! ! ! see ya on the river , pm me if ya want to hook up some day on the sandy , i will give you my pointers on hookin some fish .