I have an 8ft Scott A3, 8wt, which I use an AirFlo Bass and Muskie line on, casts the big stuff really well and can throw the whole line with smaller hair bugs ( #4 bugs). I have been very happy with this set up for bass fishing down here. And it also works well in the mangroves for shorter casts.
As far as the Mini Mags go, I almost bought one instead of the Scott, it casted great, but I could cast the Scott better.