personally.. id go for a 10 ounce rod, with a flexi tip...
Like the Shimano Beastmaster.. or Penn Extream Uptide, which has the power in reserve... but still a nice sporting rod and not a scaffold pole.
Ive heard good things about the Shakespear Ugly Stik Uptide also....
Beauty with Uptide Rods is you dont need to spend a fortune to get a nice capable bit of kit.