Entry level - I was in the same predicament mate. Would love a top end stick but not that flush. I looked at a lot of rods in the $400 - $600 range. Ended up getting an Offshore illusion. CTS blank. They have it stated as a 7'6" 150- 200g rod, but I would more call it closer to 8' and 60 - 150g max. It has a nice light taper that is good for working stick baits. If you have ever fished a offshore illusion softbait rod you will know the CTS action. Scored it for $420 on special. I understand they have some new rods specifically for stick baiting coming out soon that are the same blank but 8'6" and are super light.

Other options in that bracket would be Shimano Caranx pencil instrument, t-curve, Calstar Grafighter, perhaps a monster mesh but those are a bit heavier in action and more a popper rod I reckon.

A lot of people have suggested the Van Stahl 8'GT as a good entry level, but I found them a very heavy action and more suited to GT popping. I could imagine they would kill your back on a decent model king as well.

Better still there is some insane deals that go down in the buy/sell forum. MC works went for $600 recently, insane.

Hope that helps

The smith wrc 80/35p thats for sale is an absolute bargain.

used overseas for both stickbaits and poppers.

Kenshin wrote: kaveman wrote: Elpescador wrote: The smith wrc 80/35p thats for sale is an absolute bargain. good rod but primarily a popper rod, i think he is after a stickbait rod wut?.. is there a Difference? can you enlighten pls?

to be honest.. I've only seen ONE article that mentions about a difference in two.. he mentions.. "some BRANDS" and writer says only backs it by 'HE BELIEVES'... and its only in NZ! none foreign. And from 1 responce from above.. its been copied. so BS!

and I thought its always the fart that comes first before the crap.... not this time I guess.

kaveman wrote: Elpescador wrote: The smith wrc 80/35p thats for sale is an absolute bargain. good rod but primarily a popper rod, i think he is after a stickbait rod

Hmm the guy is talkin entry level , this rod is alot better than entry level , is used to cast BOTH stickbaits and poppers in the weight range that covers small to med stickbaits, has proved itself to be effective throwing stickbaits to bluefin,gts and suprise suprise kingfish, I have personally cast baby runbohs,shibukis and ulua 90 with this rod and it performed as well as some DEDICATED stickbait rods i have cast,  so i think as an option its very very good!!  

thanks Tin Tub - just the info i needed - and nice fish

fish i wrote:   I understand they have some new rods specifically for stick baiting coming out soon that are the same blank but 8'6" and are super light.