I use St Croix Premier 7' conventional rod w/ 6500 size Abu and 50 lb PP when on a boat. The Daiwa Sealine-X boat rods are super for the $. I'll Uglysticks as well. I leave reel disengauged with thumb on spool let fish run a little bit and then cross it's eyes.
Thunnus is aluminum body with no flex - rotor isn't aluminum though costs 2 X more than std BR. All of the Thunnus are the same body just different rotor/spool on top. Baitrunners are graphite bodies that do bend under a lot of strain - still plenty tough and excellant for the $ (great for plugging as well). BR are tough enough that charter guys use them for schoolie tuna.
