St. Croix makes nice rod blanks, and the link buckeye provided is for a custom build. I dig custom builds. $100 is a heck of a price on that rod. As far as reels, Shimano makes nice spinning reels, but I prefer Diawa. I think you will be happy with either one. Which model would depend on how much you want to spend.
What are you fishing for ISiman? And it what environment? Pond, lake, creek....all things to possibly consider. For longer casts you might want a spinning reel that has a little bit better gear ratio so each turn of your handle means more line retrieved. I can tell you that a more efficient retrieve will leave you a little less exhausted after a days fishing. All I fish with is spinning reels. Any IM-6 or IM-7 graphite rod should be just fine. I like a medium heavy pole because I plastic work fish 95% of the time. I also like a reel with a strong, efficient retrieve because I cast a ton. I have Berkley rods, Shakespeare rods, St. Croix rods and more. They are all IM-6 and IM-7 graphite rods, and they did not cost a ton to buy. $30-$50 and I attach a Shimano or Diawa reel with enough crank to make the set-up work to my advantage. GOOD luck.
Really my suggestion would be to get the best rod and line you can, than finish off the rig with whatever reel you can afford with the coin you have left. That Custom mediumlite fast action St Croix would make a hell of a start :p I would get some 4 or 6 pound braid to finish it off. You would have a pretty mean setup where you could upgrade your reel next season.
That rod Buckeye posted about is a steal for a really nice rod. I'd be all over that if I was looking for a good rod.
Thanks for all the input guys. Im looking to probably buy the rod a reel separate and as of right now have about 150$ to spend on the two. Im just looking for a good medium to medium light action spinning setup that can be a good overall setup for mosty shore fishing. Ill be fishing for mostly bass and 3-7lbs channels and maybe throw in some trout and steel head. Not really sure the best overall line to use but i was thinking from 6-18 lb mono for the bass and trout fishing a 12lb braid for catfish. Im not the most experienced angler so any input and advice is greatly appreciated.
And Scott to answer you question i've used both one a two piece and im more fond of the one piece but its hard to beat the portability of a two piece. So im kinda on the fence about that right now.
I believe a good 10-12 pound Mono line would be a great overall line for your fishing situation. Get limp casting line, it doesn't tangles as much and it presents as smoother in the water. A good 10-12 pound Mono can handle a 10 pound bass or channel cat. ($10) As for the rod I would get an above average pole like a Berkley Lighting Rod. It is a good combination of quality and price. A 6'6" would be good, and medium action. I would not recommend a medium light pole. ($40-$50) As for the reel, I found this one for sale on Cabelas for $45. It is a Daiwa. You can get many comparable reels for $50 and under that will last for many years. I still have spinning reels in good shape that I bought for under 50 bucks, 10 years ago. I would say you can get the above combo or a comparable combo for right around $100 plus tax. If you are dead set on spending 150, then buy two extra reels of line, 20-30 hooks, and anything else, and that should last you for over a year.
If I had 150 bucks.. I'd buy a 6 1/2 to 7 foot medium Ugly Stick ..SPINNING ROD 40.00 dollars..Walmart with a Shimano Symetre open faced reel which is 100.00 8.00 For Trilene XL Clear line nothing over 10 pound test for what you are fishing for..
im, like other, am a firm believer in spending the extra money to get something nice. i dont do any freshwater fishing cuz im right here at the chesapeake bay and for me i put money into the reels... for reel shimano and penn make great spinning reels that last years and take an absolute BEATING. im more of a penn (SSG and SSM) fan but both are great and will last if you spend the money and get the nicer ones...the ssg's are great for lighter baits.. i know im talking sal****er but i also use lighter set ups in the 10-15 pound range but baitcaster reels are hard to beat if your not throwing real real light baits..... id say check them out because they are great.... Penn, Shimano/Calcutta, and some Diawa's are great. i dont go super cheap on my rods but im not a big fan, nor have the use for the $300 rods. i stick with ugly sticks for the lighter actions and those can be had for like 50 bucks or so for a decent one and they have served me great. id rather spend 100-300 for a reel. for line power pro is the sh$! and ill leave it at that.
I'm a huge fan of All Star rods. You can get a good spinning rod for 80-90 bones, saving a good chunk for the reel. Pflueger reels are phenominal. Smooth, light and tough. I abuse the hell outta mine. The more bearings the better.
Lighting rod or Ugly stick are both very nice rods for the price!!! Gr22ly Amen./..been fishing my entire life..ALOT...most of my rods are Lightning Rod and Ugly Stick..of the 2..Lightning Rods hold up forever..I also have Team Diawas..which are my favorite I live in the BASS capitol of the world and have never had a fish break my rod..
