While waiting for Dave's reply, I'll chime in my opinion on the rods...
I have an 8' Reel Seat Custom Tile Fish Rod and absolutely love it
http://www.reelseat.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=962
That said, my buddy fishes a Shakespeare Ugly Stick BWB 1120 - 8' rod and has no complaints - it gets the job done. It's in a whole different class than the custom Reel Seat rod but still solid for the price point.
