You should replace those Shimano knobs with Gomexus knobs, love the 27mm cork ones. Also try some handles in 105 and 110mm sizes, I find the stock handles are to short
sage advice here, I run a Shimano Zodias 5'10 medium bait cast, the hollow short carbon butt, it has a nice matt finish that is grippy, has really good feel and is light so I can cast all day, worth a try if you haven't tried one before, I really like the action and your right the shorter rod works the lure better., I pair that with a curado DC 150HG