I also have the Heartland 7'9" rod and like it a lot, used it off my 'yak in fresh and salt. Has been durable so far too. For those of you considering this rod, however, I would offer one advise. Go to the shop and pick one out for yourself instead of getting it online, because I have seen a few individual rods of this model with crooked guide alignment. I think this is a good general rule for buying any fishing rod, unless you just have to that particular one that is only available online. Also, I believe that one of the reasons this rod is $60 is simple. Cheap overseas labor!!

Fishhead:-)