The Shakespeare micro series rods come from 4'6" to 7'6" and will break the bank at $17. I have 5 of these in different lengths and like them every one.
Me Too!

As far as high viz line goes, I use what's rigged in the reel and have a feel for the strike as I retrieve light lures. For me, line watching is optional as is the use of lines heavier than 2 lb test and jigs 1/32 oz or heavier. But I would emphasize is the use of straight tail grubs for the most subtle action at the slowest retrieve when fish aren't chasing lures retrieved at a medium retrieve. Hair and feather would be my next choice but plastics are my bread & butter for any species. Even if you take a curl tail and modify it as shown, I believe you'll get more strikes.


Even cone tails like the Crappie Magnet and the one below, are exceptional:



BTW, you can't target any fish when using small grubs, hair or feather jigs - all species bite them. Using light line on a light action rod allows for the best lure action and the least amount of line bowing which kills strike sensitivity and hook sets.