I grew up in Hawaii and saltwater fished my whole life but freshwater fishing seems a lot more challenging especially since I'm just getting into it. Looking for an all purpose type set up for bass, crappie, cat, anything that will bite really and need advice on a rod and reel well spinner combo. Was looking at this one in 6'6" medium heavy with the high line capacity.

http://www.basspro.com/Shimano-Sedona-FD-Reel/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Special-Spinning-Combos/product/1209290947359/#desc-tab

I am open to suggestions would like to keep the price range below 160 if at all possible but versatility is key as I am in the military and have opportunities to fish in different environments. Any help would be appreciated.

If your getting a spinning set-up, I would definitely recommend the Pflueger President Spinning reel ($50). Very fun to use. Spend the rest on a rod, there's plenty of rods in that price range, and you don't necessarily have to use the full amount. A couple good rods around that price range are: Shimano Compre, Abu Garcia Veritas, St. Croix Premier, *** ***. There are several rods below that price range that you good go with an I'm sure some people will chime in on. 

i'm a pflueger fan and i will tell you not to buy the president.the reason is it does not have a aluminum or magnesium frame.graphite is not strong enough.

in your price range i wouuld get either of these

 

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/Johnny-Morris-CarbonLite-Series-Rod-Spinning-Combos/product/12060712482835/#desc-tab

 

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-Rod-and-Reel-Spinning-Combos/product/11092805011833/

 

http://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-Supreme-MG-Reel/Bass-Pro-Shops-CarbonLite-Rod-Spinning-Combos/product/10231349/

 

 

 

first off, get a spinning reel, spinning reels are the most versatile tackle in the world.  Quantum Q-VEX Spinning Reel - $39.99 40 size and a Shakespeare UglyStik Inshore Select Spinning Rod 7'6 medium heavy Model: ISSP11761MH  $49.99

i'm a pflueger fan and i will tell you not to buy the president.the reason is it does not have a aluminum or magnesium frame.graphite is not strong enough.

 

While I don't doubt that an aluminum or magnesium frame is better for a reel, this reel is going to be used for bass fishing. I have 2 presidents that I use for bass, pike and cats. I have never had any problem with one breaking.