All around inshore rod/reel advice

[JDshots]

Get the Avet SX right off the bat. I started out with a Shimano Tekota myself and it was a nice reel, but there are some drawbacks to using a levelwind.

I picked up the SX a few years ago and haven't looked back. Ended up selling my Tekota because I just didn't use it anymore. You'll get used to leveling the line with your thumb. Once you do it enough it will become automatic.

[reefsquater]

I had fished the Calcutta 400 for ten years on a custom rod. It is a great little reel that held up very well. It is very good for fluke and casting light stuff at stripers.

The biggest problems I had we're if you had to put any kind of weight on them. With 8 oz plus, or a big heavy jig/croc the release button will get stuck. They do also require that the yearly service be completed. Had to totally rebuild mine one time.

I have never had a problem with the levelwind on it, it works flawlessly.

I wound up selling mine on eBay when I went to an avet type combo and missed the light little Calcutta bait aster style in my hand. I bought another used one on this site back in the early fall and plan on using it as my fluke only rod.

If you have to have one rod, go with the avet type reels, but if you can swing a second rod, those calcuttas are really nice to have.