My first set-up was a 6' glass spinning rod from Benny's and an old Alcedo spinning reel, both of which were hand-me-downs from Dad.
The first set-up that was all mine was an 8' Berkley glass rod and a Pfleuger spinning reel marketed under Shakespeare's label.
First reel I bought with my own money was a green Penn 704. I still use it. It cost me about $25 and another $10 worth of parts over 30 years---I'd say I got my money's worth
