Crazy, the Ahab's are real short money right now because they are discontinuing the line, they have the best drag. You can find a 12 (like I use) for around $90, and the next size up for around $100 (PM me for more info). These were both selling for $225+, but everyone was buying the Offshore line. I'd say the 12 would feel more balanced than the 16 on the new rod - I have the 12 on my 11'. That said, I was thinking long and hard at the Emblems last fall - Matt & Eric don't seem to have many problems with them, have the line capacity and a cast friendly spool.
St. Croix will be a big step up from that Walmart junk.
Matt would never eat a bluefish he could pimp.
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