Budget Rod and Reel Challenge!!!!

[RFSims]

Ok here's for spinning:

Berkeley Lightning Rod, 6'6" M  $28.36 at Wally World online

Pflueger President 3000 $59.99 @ Dick's


Total $88.35, within the 10 to 20 dollars over.

Pflueger  Trion 30 $39.99

[SteveTX]

I agree, the Cherrywoods, although a good rod, are kinda whippy.

Although I only have one Cherrywood part # CWD702MS Its a 7' spinning rod and I agree its very limber. It says it starts at 1/8 oz but it also says its 3/4 oz capable. Not a chance of working a 3/4 oz bait with this thing. I would say  3/8 oz max comfortably. I have only used it pond fishing with small jerkbaits or any light weight lure with small hooks. That is where it works really. I would not want this exact model as one of only 2 rods in my arsenal. Its not versatile for me here but they have other Cherrywood models. I would just be leery of what they have specified for the max weights.   

[Johntom2k]

Found two South Bend Combos for $21. trophy stalker spinning combo and  neutron spin combo

[pjl63]

I look for things on clearance.  I use mostly baitcasting gear now, but my spinning rig that I use for drop shots and finesse I paid a total of about $75 for -- a Daiwa Revros 2000H that I got on sale for $35, and a Lew's Carbon Fire M/F rod that was $40 on clearance, marked down from $80 -- Dick's runs that sale a few times per year, since it's a model exclusive to them.  It has Winn rubber grips, rather than cork, and no-name guides, but the blank is IM8 carbon, so it's decently sensitive for a budget rod.

<--- Caught the fish in my avatar on that rig.