I believe tackle industries has med/ heavy spinning rods for sale. Or there are several rod builders that can build you one. You should be able to get away with a 40 lb braid, or a 20-25 lb mono. Small size Mepps bucktails with #5 or 6 French blades or willows, top water such as a bass size flaptail, or a topper stopper type prop bait, jig-n- creature for plastics, and a 7” slammer should get U in the Game. As far as reels, get some recommendations from some experienced bait shops like R&R. Probably a Penn R popular in Salt water applications. JD
I’ve used heavy spinning tackle in Spring. There are people using spinning tackle in the ocean for much larger fish so it can definitely be done.
You shouldn’t have such a big problem with backlashes Big Mac. Something in your cast control isn’t set right. I have no doubt you can get used to using a good bait caster.