I think your best bet is to find good high end stuff used. Check around the forums. Look to some fly fishing forums. PM me if you are looking for suggestions but there are a bunch of used rods for sale right now. It isn't hard to find a used 7136 if that is what you really want. Should be able to scare one up for about 250. I'd skimp on the reel before I'd skimp on the rod.

-t