Righty ho, next question

To put it simply does a mid price stick bait rod actually exist?
When getting up to 8', rods that can handle a decent amount of drag and still be forgiving on the angler by having a lighter action through the length and be a bit more parabolic I can only seem to find rods that are way out of my price league. Is topshelf the only way to go and the only rods capable of this? Most of the cheaper 8'+ rods that do rate their rods to a higher line rating are mostly like stiff tea tree lengths that I have held.

Looking at spending $500 if need be. Had a play on the Van Staal GT rod in the shop and was way too stiff for my liking and seems like it is made for poppers. Had a play with that Shimano Pencil Instrument and quite liked the feel of it, but it's starting to get up there in price. Is this pretty much the starting point? Or is there other rods out there that could do the job? Have not had a play with any of the Daiwa rods.

Any info or experience appreciated
Cheers

Who stocks the caranx and does them at a good price? I think thats the rod Im after, what model would best suit a stella 10000sw

ohh might go pay him a visit tommorow

Caranx pi awesome rod, taking one out this weekend

The offshore popping rods are around $500, Have seen kingies landed up to 32kg landed on them . I preferred it to the Shimano when I used them side by side.

Ring Leon on 075434416 Tauranga He builds 'OFFSHORE' rods and has a 24/37kg model for stick baits Got a couple on the boat I like them work the smaller baits like  ''Smith baby runboh'' better than the Shimano pencil which I have on the boat as well. Aggree with Marx the handle on the Shimano is a little long but that can be remied. It does however have more bottom end lifting power than the offshore.