I'd go with a 7'6" 5 wt.,(because that's what I like and use), and agree with the others that you visit with the builder and try some rods. Bamboo is different and as others have said it has to feel right.

I also prefer silk lines with my cane rods and have used them exclusively the last 3 years....but I also confess to preferring to do most things the old way. You won't spend much time dressing them. Actually, my silk lines don't require any more maintenance than plastic, if you maintain your plastic lines. Besides, silk just looks, feels, sounds and is right on cane.

Vic