Shimano TDR's are also inexpensive but decent trolling rods. No 5' versions though, you're limited to Scheels or Cabelas I think on those.
A good quality scissors is an essential too with braid. I have best luck with PP as you can often pul through some of the tangles, much better than Fireline IMO. But there are always times when cutting is just the only way. I haven't found a way to keep them perfectly calibrated as you just never know when you have a long break off. I check them every couple years and they are within reason for me.