What you're describing is a light Steelhead rod, and that's also my preference for drift-fishing a kayak on skinny salt flats.
Texas coast, behind the barrier islands, has 15,000 sq-mi of flats less than 2' deep and with turtle grass covering the bottom.
The way you fish with a kayak is paddle upwind to a barrier on a rising tide, stake out and wade. The fish on the flats always feed upwind, and if you're on the rising tide, you stand a good chance of the gamefish beating baitfish against your feet.
When that's all done, we put out a drift sock and blind-fish home.
Long light rods are perfect for drifting, because you can throw light baits and control them - keep them out of the grass.
(If you're fishing the salt right, you're always casting downwind)
My spinning rod on the front rod holder is a 9' Lami, rated for 6-10 lb, and 1/8-3/8-oz.
(note I have a medium-salt spinning reel with enough line for big fish)