Need advice on boat rod choice????

[C-5 CC]

My buddy has a $150 gift card from Bass Pro just burnung a hole in his pocket. I have two Shimano 4500B reels just looking for the right rods to be paired up with. I am still very new to this whole boat fishing thing, and would really appreciate a recomendation of two rods from Bass Pro, in the $60-$80 range, that would be good for stripers and blues. Thanks
Brandon

[blaruffa]

I really like Ugly Stick, Blue Water and Tide Water Meduim to medium Heavy, for bottom fishing. With Shamno TLD 15 Charter Master reels

[buckman]

I also like the Tidewater series, Great value

[MakoMike]

My advice would be to go to a local tackle shop or even sports authority or Wally world and try their rods. I can't choose a rod out of a catalog to save my life, I have to hold the thing and see how it bends.