I went into Johns Sporting Goods 5-6 yrs ago with $200 in my pocket to get a "better" downrigger rod as I stepped on my Shimano TDR and figured I've got a ton of nice fly rods, why not spend a bit on a downrigger rod......He said "you want a downrigger rod?....I can sell you all kinds of rods, but this Okuma Downrigger rod(DR-862M) is what I use....Think it was $28 and I love it. Probably the most honest retail sale of my life. Real similar to the TDR which I have as the spare. Was in Everett the other night, and if he was open, would have got another one.....Tom