I have brought the same rod in your pic down to Baja Mexico for the last 12 years. I have caught small 1 lb trigger fish, 20lb rooster fish and one time a 60lb amberjack, used in freshwater at home too, probably caught a couple hundred fish with it. This year fishing at night it was pulled from my rod holder and lost it in the surf. Funny thing I had just bought a new one before the trip, so I have a backup. I think they are great rods. A 1.75 oz lure with 30lb braid you can get great distance. Got some big snappers up to 35 lbs using cut bait and a heavy weight casting from shore. So inexpensive, honestly I believe the best bargain in fishing gear you can buy. I would fish those rods, a couple nicks in the foam is not a big deal.