In my opinion you don't need the top of the line fishing rod. I think line makes more of a differece than the rod. Just by a descent light rod. But I wouldn't go cheap on a reel. I would get a good quality reel. I prefer quantum and shimano reels. As far as rods go I use St. Croix Premier. They are good rods for the money. You will never see me pay 400 for a Loomis. That's just a joke. I know to many guys that can catch a limit out of a swimming pool using 50 dollar rods. The rod doesn't find the fish, you do.