I've bought individual rods and reels for 50 bucks and I've bought discount combo's at the end of the season for 8 bucks. I feel better with the expensive rig, but I've actually caught better or an equal amount of fish with the cheap-o's. You certainly don't need anything expensive. I have a Berkley Genz ML rod with a Abu Cardinal 100 reel. I'd love a St Croix or Thorne rod, but I can't spend that cash. Gander Mtn has some good deals. I just bought an UL rod for 9 bucks and a 4bb infinite anti-reverse reel for 11. I'm saving up for a Vex so I have to be thrifty. I can only have 2 lines here in MN so I don't need a lot of rods/reels. One or two of each need.
