Like MarkW said, Shimano is very hard to beat in the spinning reel department. I have had $15 Shimano's and fought countless fish including 10-15 lbs stripers and they lasted for years and this was a reel with no ball bearings (just bushings). As you go up the Shimano line they get smoother and more dependable but even the cheap ones are great. You can get a lemon in anything though but I never have. As far as rods go I fish long rods (6'-7') with a good backbone but a soft tip. The long rod and soft tip will cast a small lure so much better than a shorter rod. Most of mine are 7' or longer. Now if your creek fishing the long rod will mess you up with the over hanging limbs. As far as brand name on a rod goes there are alot of good spinning rods out there. Make sure not to get one not too stiff but one that has some back bone. Make sure the lure and line weight on the rod match what you are using. If you are casting 1/8 to 1/4 lures on 8 lbs line which is normal for a spinning reel make sure the rod is made for that size bait and line. Thats all I know to tell you, best to buy from a place with an easy return policy in case you don't like it. If you order rods the shipping is high and you have to pay to ship it back it you don't like it. Best to buy where you can get your hand on it and see if you like the feel of the outfit. Best of luck!