Hey Red, I picked up a couple marmish rods last season and had good luck with them. When I picked them up all the line I had was fireline ice, so to be honest I strung it up. It was either 6-8 lb I cant remember now.
When it comes to fighting fish, I usually put down the rod and hand over hand it like a tip-up. But You can use the rod, they are designed with a form of drag. You just gently squeeze the sides of the "reel" (palm piece) and it will slow down or stop the line (depending on how much pressure you apply), it's great for fish that like to take that run. The Key is to make sure you do not have the "reel" locked, if you do and that fish runs,there is a chance he will break you off, or damage the rod.
Another key to marmish rods is the tips, make sure you are buying the proper jigs for the tip you have on your rod. I bought a few poles and different weighted tips so that I can pre-rig them.
hope this helps.