Re: Tons of Bluegill at Merill Creek
 

I agree with this. For the price range you mentioned I'd spend my money on a St. Croix Triump 6'6" M TRS66MF(one piece) or TRS66MF2(two piece) with a Shimano Sedona 2500 SE2500HGFI. You'll be spending around $170 and won't look back for the money. If you want to save a little money on the reel you could go with the Okuma Avenger ABF-30B Baitfeeder and have a little more versatility with the baitfeeder switch and save money since that reel is about $45. The Shimano is definitely much smoother though. I have both and much more high end models but would recommend either of these.

Re: Tons of Bluegill at Merill Creek
 

Good recommendation. The medium is more versatile than a MH. You may have some difficulty casting finesse plastics and unweighted plastics, as well as smaller in-line spinners and light crankbaits with the MH. The medium still provides enough backbone to bring in the big ones.

As far as rods, the previously mentioned Shimano Clarus is a very good rod for the money as are the Fenwick HMG and HMX series. All are under $100. But the best rods for the money I think are the Berkley Lightning and Lightning Shock rods. They are under $50 and sometimes under $40 and you get a darn good rod for that money. For reels it's hard to beat the Pfleuger President line for the money or if you are looking for a baitcaster, Lew's Tournament MB.

Re: Tons of Bluegill at Merill Creek
 

Okuma ABF series Bait Runner reals have been absolutely nothing short of awesome for the cost of them $45-$75 depending on the size! I’ve been abusing my ABF-50 catching a lot of Stripers out of the Delaware and as of last weekend I’ve landed 68 Musky’s with it over the last 8 years!!! Sure there’s definitely better quality reels on the market but the day mine finally decides it’s had enough I will give that bitch the proper burial it greatly earned and you can bet your ass the only thing I will replace it with is the brand new one that’s been in my closet for 3 years just waiting to kick some fishes ass! Everyone has there own thoughts and opinions on poles and reels and this is just mine! It’s all about preference and what works and feels best to you. I have lots of different rods from ultralights to Saltwater surf rods but depending on the area I’m fishing in the Delaware bare minimum I use is 7 foot medium heavy! Good luck I hope you find something that is a good all around pole that fits your needs unfortunately sometimes it is trial and error because what works for me you may not like