Overhead reels

[cammac]

Quintrex dont beleive a TLD12 is really suited to casting - although i stand to be corrected by someone.
A reel like the 7000c ABU has Centrifical braking to help against backlash and definetely help in lessening thumb burn. Matching the reel to the rod, line and lure weight is very important. Short stiff boat rods arnt great for any distance casting!

Cam

[Owen]

Would you suggest that instead of using the firm boat rods (12-20kg's) I use one of the whippier boating/spinning rods like a 8kg penn?

Yes, use a "whippier" rod, but make sure it's a baitcasting rod, not a spinning stick.
The guide placement is different for each type.

[slabjig]

One reel you might consider is the Newell line...if they're available down your way. They have a graphite composite spool which is very light for their stated line class...makes for easy starts and looooong casts. Very well thought of for casting lures to surface feeding albacore offshore up our way. They're one of the few reels still made in the USA (California).