Worming rig

[BassFeverJohn]

Hey guys. While I am not ready to go right out and buy something I wanted to ask this question to aid in my research.

I am not happy with using my biatcaster or my UL rig for worming. In fact I am wanting to step my UL down to using 2-4 pound line for panfish, and use my caster for mainly spinners, jigs, jerkbaits, and cranking. A lot to ask of one caster, I know, but I am living on a budget... And it seems to handle all these things well enough.

The one thing I can get happy with is worming. So here is the question. Not asking for specific models here, just what length rod, how fast/slow for the tip, what action to look for? Also, what would be a good gear ratio on the reel?

Whatever I get will be budget more than likely, though I already have a reel I wouldn't mind using if it is ideal enough, so I can put more into a rod.

The reel is a Shimano FX 2500FB.

Thanks!