Don't overlook a cheaper fly rod blank. I personally use a 8' 5/6wt fly rod for a short crappie dipping rod and it works great for me, but I'm not ripping big Louisiana slabs out of cypress. a 7/8wt would probably be better. Pawn shops usually have cheap fly rods. Another option is under spinning rods, trout/steelhead blanks. Those are moderate action and come in long lengths.