Jeremy, My troppo was awesome, if you can still find one round I would def recommend it for starting out. I got some nice kingies on mine, biggest about 24 kilo which it handled fine. I think these have been discontinued but if you can find one of the old cherry red 8ft ones I would still say best sub $200 rod on the market. 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking at the 7' 12-18kg troppo 7002 spin rod for casting topwater from a boat targeting midsize kingies around Moks, Chicks and Flat Rock. Teaming it up with a Fin-nor OF5500. I've been offered this setup for $259. Do you think it will work OK for the application? lure weights will be between 25g-80g. My concerns are the weight of the reel (a bit heavy at 750g) and stiffness of the rod tip (too stiff?). I know the OF 5500 is not as smooth as some reels, but it is built tough which appeals as I am rough on my gear.

miss daisy chain wrote: Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking at the 7' 12-18kg troppo 7002 spin rod for casting topwater from a boat targeting midsize kingies around Moks, Chicks and Flat Rock. Teaming it up with a Fin-nor OF5500. I've been offered this setup for $259. Do you think it will work OK for the application? lure weights will be between 25g-80g. My concerns are the weight of the reel (a bit heavy at 750g) and stiffness of the rod tip (too stiff?). I know the OF 5500 is not as smooth as some reels, but it is built tough which appeals as I am rough on my gear. My other issue is that it is through Marine Deals, and while they are an awesome store, I feel like I should support my local fishing shop!

Thanks for the good advice. I guess I'll have to save up a bit more cash! In the meantime my $50 7' (well closer to 6.9' as the tip broke off) glass rod will have to do