If you're looking at spinning reels I've always liked Shimanos. Dick's actually has a Shimano combo that is 69.99 and if you have them load it with Powerpro it'll get you out for under 100.00 and be a good starting point. I believe the reel is 4 bearings plus a line roller and the reel stops dead when you stop the crank, good luck.
shimano combo-
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...414799.4414833
shimano/field and stream combo (better rod?)-
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...414799.4414833
2013 Shimano catalog-
http://fish.shimano.com/publish/cont...%20Catalog.pdf
I love the reviewers who say the rod is a piece of junk because it snapped when they were pulling on a snag, anyone pulling on a snag with the rod bent and not straight cupping the reel and holding the bail down isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. (That goes for mono not braid, I wrap braid around a stick and pull because it will cut you DEEP if you use your hand)! The same for complaints that rods aren't two piece, the reason for a single piece blank thru rod is enhanced sensitivity.
