I use a 7' 6" shimano crucial MH w/ a 6.1 ratio reel w/ a large spool. For a little cheaper rod, look at a shimano clarus. They all have a lifetime warranty.
Good advice. I too pitch more than I flip and I prefer a 7 foot rod with a little more tip than the typical broomsticks. I would go with a decently fast reel as taking up slack line quickly is where you will need it the most.