ONO,
I use a Shimano TDR seris downrigger rod with a Penn 209 for downrigger fishing. The rods run about $40 and with the sportsmans shows coming up you may even find one cheaper there. I have 1 medium and 1 medium heavy, like the medium rod better. If you click on the search button in the upper right hand corner, we discussed this about 3 or 4 months ago or so. Hope this helps ya out.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff