How's it going guys, new to this forum. I am basically a beginner. I am looking to buy a new rod and reel because I am starting to get into fishing but am getting sick of using old crappy hand-me-downs. My budget is probably around $120 maximum (doesn't mean I want to hit that mark haha). The only places to buy gear around me are Gandermountain, Dicks, and some small time fishing shops...if there are any (never really looked for them so don't know if there are any).

 

Im going to be fishing mostly out of a lake, some river. 90% of my fishing is going to be shore/docks, occasionally I will be going out on a friends boat but not too often. My bait will be worms and fake bait until I learn the benefit of using different along with how to use different.

 

Fish in the lake: Bluegill, bass, walleye, northern pike, muskie/tiger muskie, carp, bullhead, catfish, and perch. Of course most of what I will be catching are bluegill and bass, though I would love to catch me a nothern or a tiger muskie

 

I prefer open reel, reel on the bottom and the reel handle on the right hand side.

Just start browsing TW site and get a feel for what you are after. The Daiwa Aird is one of the better "budget" spinning reels. Pop that on a med. or med. heavy Falcon Bucoo, *** black, or Shimano rod and you should be good. It's gonna be tough to not go over 120 by at least 40 bucks. The Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rods are pretty spot on too. If you have no love for the Aird check out the Pflueger President reels. They go for 50 bucks, and it's a tough little reel. I had one that lasted 6 years with 0 maint.

Here is a thread on this very topic.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/122285-beginner-pole/

 

Dick's has 2 models of Field & Stream rods...the Tec Spec and Tec Spec Elite...$60 and $80 respectively.  I have one of the older Tec Spec models.  Good rod for the money.  Walmart sells the Daiwa Jupeter...a  rod made exclusively for their chain....about $80.  I like mine a lot.

Seems to me that you are looking for a Medium Fast action rod with a spinning reel style.  The longer the rod the farther the cast.  I wouldn't go beyond 7 feet since you're fishing from shore.

 

I would go with a St. Croix Triump and a Pflueger President reel for that price range.

 

If you're willing to spend just a bit more you can up it to a St. Croix Mojo and a Shimano Sahara.

 

 

Whats the difference between spinning and casting? My technique is pretty basic haha, cast as far as I can and real in at a good pace and hope something wants it, so I guess with my technique I would want a casting rod?

Most spinning reels can be used left or right hand.  Baitcast reels are one or the other.  There are several differences between spinning reels and baitcast reels....both in how they are cast and in what techniques they get used for.  Spinning reels are easy to learn.  Baitcast reels have a steeper learning curve.  Spinning reels can cast some very light baits on the right rod, and the reel needn't cost much.  Casting light weights on a baitcast reel means spending a lot more for the reel.  Not only will you need the right rod, but lighter weights on a b/c reel require a more educated thumb on your part because of the light, fast spool you will be using.

 

Most people use a baitcast reel when they need a heavier line.  A spinning reel works well for light lines and techniques where you want the line to drop straight down after the cast.  Any b/c reel will handle 3/8 oz. and up with ease.  1/4 oz. and down on a b/c reel is putting you in the area where a finesse reel is almost mandatory.  Finesse reels are expensive.

 

You could fish your whole life with just one style, and not feel like you were missing out on anything.  However, learn to use both as there are times when one style is definitely better suited than the other even tho both could get the job done.

 

Good spinning reels needn't cost $100 or more.  The Pflueger President is an excellent reel at $60.  Team it up with something like a Berkley Lightning Shock, Berkley Lightning, Abu Garcia Vengeance or Shimano Sellus, and you will be out the door for just over $100 with tax.

 

A couple decent spinning reels mentioned in the link I gave you cost even less.  A Berkley Cherrywood rod would cost less than the ones I just mentioned

 

Live worms require a softer action.  As Khong stated, a Medium-Fast (or Moderate) action rod in Medium power would probably be your best choice if trying to do it all with one rod.

 

Good spinning reels needn't cost $100 or more.  The Pflueger President is an excellent reel at $60.  Team it up with something like a Berkley Lightning Shock, Berkley Lightning, Abu Garcia Vengeance or Shimano Sellus, and you will be out the door for just over $100 with tax.

I was going to suggest the Pfleuger President along with a Berkley Lightning.