finally got to test out the 7' spinning rods. almost getting me the distance I want from this setup but i need to test a few different rigs just so i know when i'm maxed out. these are the abu gacria vendetta rods that are being replaced with some newer models. i think all of their old stuff is on sale right now. these rods used to sell for $80 and i think they are a steal at $30. I tried the 7' baitcaster but it was way to stiff for me. i paired the spinning rods I got with my pfleuger echelon reels (sold as a $60 combo) that I got for $25. so I end up having $55 in a rig that would've cost $140 and a still have a couple decent rods for backups.