Light weght conventional.
 

Getting into LMB so I can chase Luccini around. He is the best all round fisherman, I ever fished with.

Need advice on a mid-range rod and reel. $200 all in for starters. 20# braid, mono? I don't know s hit about this stuff.

any walmart baitcaster. will work. no need to spend big money. or stay with spinning gear. easier than getting birdnests and easier to cast.

bait casters don't like Lite lures just My 2 cents

Unless you are really good with a baitcaster avoid braid. I bought a very cheep Lews conventional at Wallmart a couple years ago and was surprised at how smooth and easy it was. It is my spinnerbait rod and spool it with 15lb Trilene ET momo.

My go to is jig fishing and I use a custom spinning rod i built twenty years ago with an all burl cork tennessee handle, electrical tape a shimano CI4 3000 with ten lb powerpro and GT knot a eight foot shot of 15lb fluoro. Small jigs early for crappie, perch and small bass. Upsize jigs once the big girls get moving and then that rod works great for sea bass in May. No clue what Lami blank i used, but handles 1/4oz to 1oz or better. If I could only choice one rod that would be it.