Surfing Waves

All, I have been bit by the bug again and am looking for an intermediate board. Here's where I'm stuck. My "magic board" is a hybrid mid length, 7'6"x21x 2 7/8". I recently acquired a straight performance board that is 6'6" x 18-19" x 2 5/8, quad fin setup. (I don't know exact dims because I'm n a plane right now!). Anyways, the 6'6" is just too racy for me and too loose in the nose. I have been practicing with it and, coming from the 7'6" board, it's a fairly steep learning curve...I have occasional great drop ins, but can't get back into the pocket because my footing is awkward and I spend the return time trying to reestablish balance.

So what I'm looking for, and think I want, is a fish of some sort. My problem is that I do not want to go below 6'6" for fear of it being too loose. I also would like a little bit more nose rocker for the 4-6' days. So any suggestions out there? I've been looking at the Lost Fish but don't want to pay $500+ on a whim. I'm trying to keep other brands in mind, as well as going custom and supporting some local South Bay shapers...

Help!

You are looking for a step-up board, made more for bigger days but I don't use mine as such.

About 6yrs ago I had a 6'8 x 20 1/4 x 2 5/8 board made specifically for a local break that has super slow takeoffs but streep inside sections. Turned out to be a favorite board of every beginner that tries it. Mine was the sharpeye glider, but any board with more width and thickness than your 6'6 will do.

It's my favorite Baja board for big double overheads but also when I feel lazy because it paddles easier than my 6'1, like after staying out too late lol.

If it helps, I'm 200lbs