Hope you guys don't get tired of me talking about this...but I can't help but suggest calling grizzly jigs; 800-305-9866 and talk to Lance. He talked to me for about 20 mins on different rods/reels....combos....prices....and you can't beat their prices. There are many others to talk with there also...but I talked to Lance when I called. They also have a 3 rod discount...meaning if you buy three of the same or very comparable...ie...price and size, you'll get a discount for each one you buy.
I know what you mean though...I'm vertical fishing and there are floods of rods and reels to choose from. I went with 11' American Spirit (outlaw) rods and HT 1750 (6 ball bearing) setups. All three with shipping come to right around 150. I would also suggest for vertical fishing...if you will be using a bobber stop...be sure to get the "big eye" rods....this will allow the bobber stop to go through the last few eyes easily..if you don't it can and WILL be aggrivating...:rolleyes: been there, done that, got the t-shirt!...lol.
Good luck!!
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 25:15