Rod & Reel advice please

[nicfish]

Hi all,

As you know i've just got back into fishing after 20 years & feel I need to update my tackle some what as I am now becoming completly obssessed again!
I've got a nice avon/quiver rod & a good float/general rod with my old Mitchell 300 & 400 still doing the business along with a nice browning reel.
My next step, although a bit early, is to get a pair of nice river/small lake Pike rods & reels (favorite fish, so obviously a priority to me).
I've been looking at the Fox Xtreme predator rods in 2.75tc & they look good & have got full cork handles (an absolute must for me).
I'm also looking for a good pair of reels, perhaps baitrunner types (although there is a bewildering array of these) to match these rods. They will probably get used as well to try to tackle the carp in my local canal as they run to 40LB!!!! i'm told.
Any suggestions or help from you guys would be greatly appreciated,

Hope your all well & look forward to hearing your ideas

Many thanks

Nic