Q on rods (line rating) Waterloo
 

Thinking about spending some money on a decent rod.
Used some Shimano (Clarus) in past, and i have a green carrot stick i like now,
but fishing deeper water with jigs for trout,feeling the bite is tougher.

Looking for a 7' casting rod that'll let me feel the subtle bite better and give me some more casting distance, considering the Waterloo Salinity.

When rods are rated for "6-12 lb line" is it considering that even 30# powerpro is equivalent to 8 lb. diameter (in mono)?

I don't think the powerpro will be an issue. From what I understand the "6-12lb" line rating will develop the correct loading in the rod to keep fish buttoned up while only using a percentage of the line strength. Probably wouldnt run the drag past 12-15 lbs (most reels like lews have max drag settings below that any way except for the 13 fishing Concept series (22 lb))

Lure weight affects the rod more but the line rating gives a good idea of a drag setting to hopefully stay out of the breaking range.