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I keep my original packaging for this purpose. I remove the reel and wrap both ends with bubble wrap, slide the wrapped rod into the tube then tape the ends shut and I am all set. If you don't have the original packaging then a PVC tube and end caps from Lowe's or Home Depot seem to work very well.

If $100 or less is your primary limiting factor then I would recommend this one: *** *** Black 2 Cast Rod 6'7" Med Hvy. $99 and full cork handle. This is a lot of rod for $99. IMHO of course.

I own a couple of Powell's but not the 765 Inferno. They are very dice rods for the monies. If you think you are going to use 2-3 oz lures then by all means go with it. However, if you will use it more for jigs I would go with this: *** *** Black 2 Cast Rod 7'3" Heavy with the Omen2 Cast C handle. I love the full cork handles. Same price as the Powell Inferno.

Save another $20 and get this one: *** *** Black Casting Rod 7'1" Heavy. These are fantastic rods. IMHO.

I too have found that quality over quantity is the key, for me at least. I started off with rods in the $100 range (some damned fine ones) but once I got into the higher end Dobyns, St. Croix, and G. Loomis I realized that was the way I should have started. But I still use all of those $100 rods too to not real bid issue for me.

^^^What he said.

I own 4 Dobyn's rods. 2 Champions and 2 Champion Extremes. I own the 704C and the 735C and both are excellent. Go with the 704C, you won't be disappointed.

IMHO...*** *** Black Casting Rod 7'3" Med Hvy. $249 at TW. I have several of these in different power ratings and they are fantastic rods.

I own a Dobyns Champ Cast Rod 7'3" MH XF FH 735 and a Dobyns Extreme Cast Rod 7'3" MH XF FH 735. Both are amazing rods. Frankly, I like the Extreme better than the G-Loomis GLX Jig & Worm Rod I have. And it is excellent for throwing frawgs and heavier jigs and such.

I do a lot of Salmon fishing in the fall here in NY. The ONLY thing I will wear on the often fast moving streams and rivers are these: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Korkers-reg-Mens-Studded-Rubber-Soles/1514362.uts?productVariantId=3307077&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=43-81984308-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03558876&rid=20 I have never gone down. I have seen many others not wearing them go down. Even saved a couple from ending up in Lake Ontario. Just saying...

When I was a kid, 10 yo or so, I was out trout fishing in western NY on April 1st. I had a small tackle box full of "stuff" I was carrying with me. I was crossing the stream that was flowing pretty fast and slipped on some rocks. The plastic tackle box was dropped into the water and away it went. I had every fishing lure/tool I owned in that box. In 1970 dollars it was probably worth $50. Without doing the math I believe it was quite expensive in today's dollars.

Dobyn's Champion 735. Excellent frogging rod.

Dobyn's Champion 735. I have used this rod with great success for frogging.

*** Black

Here is a very nice reel that you can get for about $170 on ebay. Frankly, over the years I have found many great reels for about 30% less than retail on ebay. New and free shipping. I am a big Lew's fan. IMHO dollar for dollar they are as good as you can get. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-BB2-Pro-Speed-Spool-7-1-1-Bait-Casting-Reel-PS2SHZ-/131481265733?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9ce4e645