The amount of money you spend on a rod and reel is really up to you. There are so many choices out there... generally though you get what you pay for. I am not a big fan of spending a ton of money on gear... but if the conditions call for a certain amount of $'s that is what I will spend. The best thing you could do is ask a lot of questions. Go into your local B&T and strike up a conversation. Ask the people you fish with what they are using... what they like & dislike. You will also get a lot of good feedback on this site. I have been using Tica rods for the past few years. I really like them. Not everyone does... but they work very well for what I do. They will not cost you as much as a Lami, St Croix etc... but they are solid dependable rods. A lot of rod for under $100. As far as reels go... it all depends on what size rod you pick out and the type of fishing you are doing. I have some older Penn's, Diawa B&G's, Mitchell's and I am now starting to use Quantum. I love the Quantum they are going cost you. Certainly not huge $.... but not Walmart price either. Ask question.... it doesn't cost you anything!
