Eman,
I would go w/ the daiwa for whatever reel you decide on, personally I like how they sit much lower than shimano's you can really palm them better w/ the exception of the calais. I am looking foward to getting some of the custom stuff for my daiwa's carbon handles and cork grips I know Dan (lightningrod) has them they are sweet.

Hey let that Bass go I wanna catch her some day
http://www.calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/tmcustoms/