You can get a Northwest special from Lamiglas for about 85 bucks...sounds like you want some backbone so get the Medium variety.

Go to any internet search engine and type "Lamiglas" + "Norwest Special", you should find a link pretty easy to check it out. They are not "top of the line" but they are an excellent rod and I would recommend them to any fisherman, especially beginners or inexperienced fisherman.

Generally, the more experience you have the more you appreciate lighter weight rods. Please heed the advice above. The rod you pictured is designed specifically for pulling plugs. Part of fishing is being able to feel the bite, you will have a much harder time feeling a fish on your line with that rod.

I've been fishing for steelhead for about ten years now and I still have a hard time paying more than $100 for a rod. The Norwest special is the best value for the money in my opinion and gives you everything you need to hook and land fish.