re: Spec/red rod and reel combo recs?

Daiwa $50 reel and $50 blue rod at Academy. Work perfectly well and won't feel bad when you break them doing things other than fishing (transport, truck, house).

I fish 30 times a year. Haven't had one fail on me yet.

Also allows me to put 3 combo's on the boat for 1 $300 set up.