What to look for in an ocean fishing rod?

Lots of good advice here. I have used an Ugly Stik Tiger, its a great do-most rod for the money. The best you can get for $70-80 IMO. If you want to step up to the next rung in terms of price I would recommend an Okuma Guide Select Swimbait Rod H 1-6oz. I bought this rod to use for big swimbaits for striper mostly and its a great casting rod. Since then I have used it vertical jigging for rockfish and lings, with a 3-way for halis, and regular bait fishing. The rod can actually handle weight throughout its rated range for casting and I have used up to 10oz on a 3 way for halis and lings with no problem. The rod has a nice moderate action that's perfect for treble hook baits and has plenty of backbone for setting the hook on a single hook as well. I paired mine with a daiwa lexa 300wn. I got mine for $110 at fisherman warehouse on sale but there is usually a sale somewhere.