We went with a Diawa Heartland S model HLSD862MS-G in the 8' 6 ' length this summer and it's great for downriggers. Line weight for this is stated at 12-20 lb and we run 15 lb test. It's not too heavy for the local coho that run in the 3 to 6 lb range up to ocean run 10+ lb fish. This rod is fiberglass so it takes a pounding and comes back for more. I got it at 3 Rivers Marine and it was somewhere in the $30 to $40 range. Hope this helps.
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Beware of the man with only 1 fishing rod, he probably knows how to use it.