I am looking for a 2 piece 7’ light spin rod that has enough mustard to turn a small keeper. I’ll be tossing small plugs, and probably spool with #8-#12. I like the St. Croix, but was hoping someone could steer me towards a more inexpensive option. Any help would be appreciated.

Check out Tica they have good light tackle rods that are cheap. I have the 8' rated 1/2 to 2 ozs, it was 55$. I use this for my schoolie setup.

I just use an ugly stick

I love it... Fun to catch schoolies..
ALOT of fun to watch my very novice wife reel in a 33" keeper on it

7' two piece and a med action freshwater schimano reel.

Definatly check out the tica rods, they are a beefy little rod. You might what to look at their line of rods and see which on feels good for you. ALso another good rod that is inexpensive are the Okuma rods.

Check if Mike t is still selling the cortland rods also. they were nice and came in shorter sizes.

Lami makes one or is made for Lami overseas. It's called the "BeachRunner", I think. Anyway, the 7' model retails for 79 bucks and can't be beat. Not sure if it's available in many areas though.

the tica rods are pretty nice. i have a nine footer...good backbone..the Blue Runner rods from quantum are nice too..u can get those at #^&#^&#^&#^&'s sporting goods..short money!

Another vote here for Tica. I have 2, a 7' and 8' with 2 penn 4400. I also use a 7' Uglystick. All with PowerPro. I have caught keepers on all three. Dont wanna violate the advertising rules here but M&D carrys them.

my favorite schoolie buster is a 1951 Hurricane snook rod. Ted Williams turned jerry sylvester on to them way back when and jerry imported them up here from miami... if I ever loose it or break it I will probably go into deep depression.

I also have a 7' shimano carbomax that is the bee's knees. Very fast action.. casts like a champ, light as a feater and it has a nice cork handle which is great for keeping your hands warm in the spring.

Tsunami Trophy series $60-70ish
Penn surf guide series $80-90ish

If you can find the older Penn spinfishers SBG-68XX those were made with sabre blanks and fuji hardware.. the newer models won't last a week in my hands.
the older spinfishers went for $275.99... when the new models came out you could score an older one at boaters world for $69.99..

Thanks for the replies. Time to do some shopping....

ugly stik 6'6" medium action. about 50-
$60