Good beginner rod?

[jaywalker33]

I'm going to buy a surf rod this weekend and I was wondering what's the best all around rod and reel combo for a beginner that isn't ridiculously expensive? I want to get a spinning outfit and I don't want it to be too hard to handle. Basically something versatile. I have an old 9 foot no name that I got as a hand me down, it has some type of Shimano reel on it. Any help would be great!

[addict]

I'm a beginner, so here's my2:

Buy used gear!

Fish it hard, drop it, get sand in it, kick it, slam doors on it...then when you know what you're doing, buy a nice combo.

spinner: I bought a used 5500 + a used 9'sealine-x for about $65
convench: bought a 10' sealine-x and a squidder for $55

All were in good condition.
I plug w/spinning and chunk w/convench

[Steve K]

Jaywalker,

How much do you want to spend and are you going to plug or fish bait?

[jaywalker33]

Probably just going to plug, though I would like to try some live herring while they're around. Is there a decent combo that can do both or am I going to need to get one for each?? I'm willing to spend a few hundred bucks but obviously cheaper the better. Maybe I'll go the used route for now.....

[TheSpecialist]

Jay go see Ronnie over at Sportsmans Den in Quincy. He has the new line of Tica rods. I don't think you will be dissapointed.

[Steve K]

Jaywalker,

I would recommend one of the Triflex Lami rods, probably the 9' model and a TICA Libra or Camry 4000. Mike at M&D's can set you up with the Lami at a great price but he does not have the TICA reels. He has a great selection of other reels including the Penn 5500. Talk to him. Buying used is a good idea if you can find what you are looking for. Good luck.

Steve