Intro & Beginner Advice Needed!

[goodfishin]

p.s. My young son and I keep two $25 dollar Shimano spinning rod/reel combos in the car and fish with them incessantly. They work great, are durable, and are cheap enough that I don't have to feel bad if I accidentally circumcise them with the car's power windows (like I did last year).

You'll do just fine with a cheap rod/reel combo. If you can get the casting distance you want, you're fine.