Hello MellowYellow,
Excellent, this gives me a good idea where to start. OK, if you are doing the private boat fishing? I recommend a stout rod ranging from 6 ½ - 7? long! If you plan a party boat 7 ½? + would be ideal. Why? It?s a lifting and leverage thing!
Since you have tautog and Stripers in mind, you will need a Medium ? Heavy power and fast- action capable to hold payloads of 20-50 lbs. test! This should be strong enough to hold lead up to 20 oz. I?ve played with several rods and you can not go wrong with Lamiglas, Seeker, Daiwa?s and the new St.Croix rods. I generally will fish the higher end products because it is somewhat lighter with durable components (guides, wraps, seats etc).
Since you are looking into the $100 +- range? I would go with the St. Croix or Lamiglas! Why? In my opinion, it?s better components and it has a reasonable warranty.
You should use this as a parameter / guide and go to your local shop to see which one feels better. All in all, it?s generally a preference thing? you might like cork and I like foam, I like double wrapped and you might like single?. It depends and I would ask you to see your local shop and compare! However, regardless of what you pick? you should stick to my specifics!
Hope this answers your question and Happy shopping!
?Crazy? Alberto
