There are many good choises, and waaay more opinions. I have a few fancy rods. I like them all. Many of them are Fetha Styx's, and I am very happy with them. I also have Sage's, Loomis's, St.Croix, Lami's, Shimano's, Okuma's, Berkley's (i like the old series one's) LCI's...the list goes on, and on...I think spending reallly big bucks on a rod is something a lot of guys have to do, but I don't believe its necessary. A nice Lami, or st.croix will do just fine, and they are getting expensive too. Nothing wrong with okuma either. This post probably is'nt going to help ya. Figure out your budget, and go start playing with them. Light weight, and sensitivity is going to cost more. If your hard on rods..Don't do it! lol

A 9'6" rod would probably be a good choise since you mentioned bobber fishing. For me..I would go 9' because I think long rods are a hastle in the brush. You can get most jobs done with a 8-12 wt rod.