Hi C & R,
Your 2nd question first: I recommend a S. Bend Model #359, 5/6 wt. 8 1/2' 3 piece, 2 tip rod for fishing bigger streams. Average price is at or below $125.00. For smaller streams, w/o going into a chapter on different makers and keeping it simple, a 7 1/2' S. Bend 2 piece, 2 tip Model #290 5 wt. rod that goes for around $300.00.
Now your 1st question:
I was on vacation with a friend in Potter County, Pa. who fishes cane all the time. The creek was 15 feet wide and all I had was a 9' graphite Orvis rod... NOT good! He took me into a fly shop there and I purchased a 7 1/2' H.L.Leonard rod to fish with all week. It's been ALL cane since that magical week!! Got home, sold off all my graphites and learned how to repair and restore cane rods, so I've developed a side business (avocation) restoring cane rods for others, as well as for myself and my 3 sons... It's great to see old, tired looking rods brought back to life and fishable once again, when others have given up hope on them. Most of the rods we fish with are nearing 100 yrs old and still going strong!
Tight Lines,
Canefly