It's ok Mark.
Jason,
no, I'm not a regular big fish angler, the 3lb tench where I go are known as maniacs, as they put up a really good fight, so all depending on which area of the lake I am fishing on,I know the likelyhood of getting something bigger is a possibility. Therefore I will use a stronger rod.
I agree with Mark that a 5000 bait runner would be ideal for most of it.
I have a 6000, but I find it way too big for what I need.
My usual reel is a Cardinal 55.