I am going to buy my first rod and reel combo. What are thebest available? I am looking for a rod and reel that can handle no livelining. I am strikly a plugger or jigger. I am still new at this but am willing to learn with anyone willing to teach!!!! I started with my dad a few years ago but am finally getting hooked!!! any help will be appreciated. I live on the south shore and would be willing to learn from different people. thank y0u for all you help

TIM

Tim, you're going to have to be a little more specific here for the kind of input you're looking for.
For example;
-Spinning or Conventional
-Shore or Boat
-Jetty or Surf
-Size of plugs and jigs
-Price range
If you can narrow it down a lot more, I'm sure you'll get enough answers to make your head spin to be totally confused:D :smash:
For starters, I would recommend staying away from any pre-packaged combo units you might see at the big retailers. Support a reputable tackle shop and you'll walk away with a lot more than a new rod and reel. Check out the prices that M&D's advertises on their website. Mike's got some really great prices that are competitive with the big retailers.
For spinning, start off with a good Penn or Mitchell Nautil and you'll do good. For conventional, ABU Ambassedeur can't be beat for price/quality.
A lot of the recommendations will depend on your budget. So, just let everyone know the specifics. You're also going to have to wait for a more detailed response. A lot of the guys are probably on the downslide from their all-nighter Mass Leg last night.
:sleeps:
Happy hunting:kewl:

Like bigbo said, you gotta be a bit more specific.

I am also in quincy and there are some great shops local to us.

Sportsman's den and Fore river tackle very close for us, and old salt in hingham,, all great knowlegable guys.

Thanks for you help. You are right sooooo much info makes my head spin. I will basically be fishing from a jetty but would like to do some surf casting as well. I use (I think) a 4oz plug. I am going to buy a spinning reel. I will definitely not buy from a box store. I will go to a local guy. Even being new to this I know the value of local guys they are veeeeeeeeeeery valuable for info. I am looking to spend under $200 for the whole set up. I know it is not much but I am on a little bit of a budget. Yes, it is called a wife. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Thanks for your help :) :D :D :D :D

Tim talk to Mike T at about a Mitchell Nautil 6500 yellow, great drags, waterproof, sandproof. Mike also has rods. Ron at Sportsmans Den here in Quincy, is very knowledgable as well and carries quite a selection. You can't lose either way. You could go with a Tica rod, and you should come in at or unnder your 200.00 limit.

TimTim, do you subscribe to OTW? If not, then I can let you read mine's. It has an article that talks about beginner surfcasters by Joe Lyons. It's a great article to read and I strongly to urge you to read it. I realized my mistake when I was new to this game. Man, retailers aren't always dependable. I even examine the product at MVP in VA and accidently broke one of their rod. And I sub-zero my ass outta undetected.