I've been shopping for two rods to buy my partner. He has a few spare reels and I'd like to see him pair them with something and have them on hand so I don't have to suffer through the constant re-rigging of his Carolina and drop shot rods. Mainly a dedicated flippin stick and something to throw soft jerk baits. I have almost settled on the Fenwick HMX rods but I came across the Okuma Guide series rods and they look good for the money. Can anyone chime in about what they think of these? I was on a trip in AZ and my guide commented about having a buddy who is sponsored by Okuma because I use an Induron on my swim bait rod. He mentioned said friend "likes their new sticks" but that's all I've ever heard about them.