You also have a Gander Mountain store in Texas. I bought a 5wt fiberglass rod blank (no longer avbailable) off ebay for $6.99. Probably build it for less than $20.
If you are interested in just a rod....I suggest you PM Apache Trout on here. His craftsmanship is excellent and he sells rods all year long. Don't know his plan but he sells very very reasonably. Look up Apache Trout in the members list and PM him. He just might have something for you.
I just looked it up.
Apachetrout
BTW I am not sure how much upgrade you intend to do. A few years ago JC won the distance casting contest with an SA combo from Wal-Mart athat at the time was around $69. I personally purhcases the Wal-Mart "Orvis 9' 6wt combo for $115. I find it quite decent. Rod, mid-arbor reel, backing leader....etc. Have caught a lot of trout on it....and wouldn't be afraid to attempt to land a lunker with it.
Just fyi
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