J,
I have the same set up but cant remember off hand whether my rods are 8 or 8 1/2 but they are medium fast action shimano tdr's and I'm very happy with them...I use them primarily on Hemlock in a 14' boat and the shorter rods are much easier to handle when netting a fish. They seem to have plenty of backbone.
Tom
ps- I checked when I got home they are 8' rods.
Jimmy Ironic as this may sound we were the other small Bluefin fishing near you same depth 120 - 200 and it your right it is a blast and it does get expensive the only thing that beats catching them yourself is putting a child on the end of the rod when a king is running and telling him/her to hang on ! we had a blast Sun. as well best of luck on your future outings..the people on this site are the best i've learned tons....Take care,
Tom