Drum Runner, fork out the extra jack and get a Tica or Tsumani. You won't be sorry and won't be wishing later on that you had spent the money when the Ugly Stik doesn't fit your expectations. The Ugly Stiks are decent rods for what they are, but they are just too soft, IMO. PA DIST on 17th St. has both so you can compare. 428-1000 And I think got'em hooked meant 11' on the Tica for 8n bait. The 9' is a stingsilver size rod.