GC ... shortest UL's I've ever had/used are a 5' Quantum UL & a 5' ESP Microlite. Longest "true" Microlite rods I've ever had/used are Mitchell Zero Gravity 7' rods.

Cheapest alternative rod under 4' would probably be a Zebco Dock Demon spinning combo (2'6" med power) at around $16 (but I think I'd also carry another UL reel as "backup")