A self-feeding problem is that those new to baitcasting generally don't want to drop a lot of coin on equipment, but are then soured on baitcasting when it fails to perform as expected.

Go get a good hybrid rod. I have fished most of my life and really love the Berkely Cherrywood HD for my main rod. Know what? The thing ran me $20. I bought it as a stopgap when a more expensive rod broke, and ended up putting the more expensive rod in the corner!

Weird.

You might grab a 6' MH or 6'6" M Cherrywood HD, top it with a decent inexpensive reel like those marketed by Bass Pro or Abu Garcia, and give that a go with worms and jigs. Use braid.

Josh

id grab an h20 combo if i was wanting a combo in that range.

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Here's a nice combo that fits your criteria.

http://t.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Special-Rod-and-Reel-Baitcast-Combo/product/1412040301398/

I'll 2nd this combo. As good as you will find for under 100$