Shimano Metanium XG/Megabass Orochi XX emtf: perfect No really at your price range, I'd take a look at that new levante emtf. For reel, I'd go with either a curado I or curado 50e.

50 sized shimano and a zodias rod or wait to see what the megabass legate is all about.

Shimano Metanium XG/Megabass Orochi XX emtf: perfect No really at your price range, I'd take a look at that new levante emtf. For reel, I'd go with either a curado I or curado 50e.

I have a Met on my Diablo, love it!

I fish 5" senkos, Fat Ika, and 3/8 oz jigs with Shimano Metanium reel and Avid X 7' MF Rod. If I had to do it on a budget, cabelas tournament ZX worm rod and Lews Speed Spool Tournament or Shimano Curado I 200HG at half the price.

For sale my me in our Flea Market:

 

$450 G. Loomis GLX BCR893/ Shimano Curado 50E Supertuned

9/10 rod, reel 9/10 cosmetically, 12/10 mechanically

Here's a great bang for the buck and will do what you want and more. 

Work with Mike (DVT) and build your own:  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142505-custom-rod-from-d-v-t/?hl=%2Bdvt+%2Brod+%2Bbuild+%2Bfor+%2Broadwarrior#entry1586835

 

 

 

I'd probably go with either an Avid M/F or MH/F or an LTB in the same powers and actions. Length will be up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If I had the choice, I'd go with the LTB, but being that you're trying to stay on budget, it depends on how expensive of reel you want to run.