This Okuma combo on Marine Deals is the bargain of the century! Normally close to $100k, down to $179. Put the $99,820 you save towards a new boat...happy days 

If you read the threads on here, it seems micro jigging long rods - designed to cast 20-30g micro jigs well ahead are compatible with soft baiting (long- around 8', fast action). Most rods like that aren't that happy with 80g hanging off the tip. i've fished 30-50g no problem.

Internationally, people seem to micro jig with very bendy rods, but they are dropping straight down, not trying to cast.

Kaburas seem to be more suited to soft action rods, ditto Jitterbugs and other inchikus. More to do with not pulling hooks with the small assists.

At the budget end, I reckon an Okuma X-Factor 7' 6-10kg is soft enough to do the job for slow jigs, and is also adequate - though not ideal - for soft baiting. It depends if your idea of soft baiting is more or less a lob and bump on the bottom, or casting well ahead and fishing the retrieve. If it's the former, then a softer action shorter rod is fine.

You're not going to get an Ocean Angler Microwave and a decent reel for your budget, except second hand. But look up Kaveman's rods (kavemantackle.co.nz) and you might be able to get one and pick up a reel for a bit over $300.

I agree Dan, the Penns in the Regiment and Assassin ranges look really nice, good Fuji components, nicely finished. I've been looking at the one that's kind of a cross between heavy soft bait, and light top water.