Well now that you mention $700, you can get into a totally wicked setup that will compare, if not out perform many that will run you up and over $1k.

CND Custom 1409 $485
SA System II 12/13 $210.95
Rio Windcutter Veri-tip 8/9/10 $150.00

Well, it maybe a little beyond that $700 price range BUT you will never have to upgrade from there. You may however decide you want lighter rod for summer-run fishing and then a rod for this and a rod for that. evil
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Ryan S. Petzold
aka Sparkey and/or Special