Originally Posted by
Bigslabslayer
It kinda depends on your spending habits. I'm what some would call a thrifty person and I buy shimano IX 1000 or 2000 spinning reels and spool them with 4 lb trilene XL line. They are as cheap as $10 and if they only last a couple years....spend another $10! I use a couple st croix ultra light power rods and love them until they go SNAP. Then I get mad, swear not to use expensive rods again and buy a good old Berkley cherrywood for $22. ( st croix is really good about replacing broken rods. Even if you are to blame they will give a great deal on a replacement of equal or lesser value) I fish open water slabs about 400 hours a summer so I wear reels out fast. GO CHEAP!!