Penn 209's are great... they've been in production just about forever, cost 50 bucks, and parts are readily available. John's Sporting Goods in Everett is a Penn repair shop, and stocks a complete line of replacement parts. I've busted an Eagle Claw rod right at the grip... a $30 rod that breaks is no bargain. I have a pair of Shakespeare Ugly Stick BWD1101 rods, they run around $50. and are almost indestructable. Mine are 8'3", but they are also available in 9'0"

Dan