After reading several threads, I've decided to go with a Medium/Moderate baitcaster, a Medium-Heavy/Fast baitcaster, and a Medium/Fast spinning reel for a three rod setup. I was advised not to go cheap on the baitcasters, however I would like to spend less than $150 per setup ($450 for all 3 rods/reels). Has anyone used this particular rod, and is it a decent beginner rod/reel for spinnerbaits & jigs?

Abu Gacia Black Max/Vengeance Combo- MH/F

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12661238&cp=4406646.4413993.4414792&categoryId=52416806&fg=Brand

A medium/moderate casting rod is interesting piece. It would seem to be more of a light cranking rod? Is that sort of what you were thinking about using it for. I like your other choices but I am not sure about this one?

I am not sure what casting rods and reels would be good choices to build a $150 casting combo, but I can tell you that for about $60 you can get the Phfleuger President spinning reel.

Perhaps if you are patient, and don't mind used, you can score some nice pieces from the flee market here. It would help stretch the qualify of the gear you get a bit more to where reels with aluminum frames and such come into the budget a bit more.

Thanks for the advice! Yeah the Medium/Moderate would be for crankbaits

I noticed a sale online at bass pro for the bionic blade/bionic plus combo, $139 now down to $119. I used the past generation of these rods and I would definitely recommend them (I can't speak on the reels, but from picking them up in stores they seem like a great deal). They have to Ross in micro and conventional guides too. I would take a look, it would probably be the best thing you can get while staying in your price range

If you can go to 160 for the baitcaster setups, I would find lews speed spools for $80 on Ebay, and then get no.*** blackout rods for $80 as well.

12 hours ago, SMITTY0045 said:

I noticed a sale online at bass pro for the bionic blade/bionic plus combo, $139 now down to $119. I used the past generation of these rods and I would definitely recommend them (I can't speak on the reels, but from picking them up in stores they seem like a great deal). They have to Ross in micro and conventional guides too. I would take a look, it would probably be the best thing you can get while staying in your price range

Bionic blade rods are good, reels not so much. IMHO, if you don´t get at least a ProQualifier reel you better get nothing then.

I have the black max / vengence combo and I like it. Good for Texas rigs and jigs. It is a good beginner baitcasting combo for $80. For a $150  cranking combo get a pro qualifier in a low gear ratio  and a bps crankin stick .  Spinning combo Fenwick elite tech smallmouth in your preferred  action and length and a pflueger supreme spinning reel. 

9 minutes ago, lakeannaangler said:

I have the black max / vengence combo and I like it. Good for Texas rigs and jigs. It is a good beginner baitcasting combo for $80. For a $150  cranking combo get a pro qualifier in a low gear ratio  and a bps crankin stick .  Spinning combo Fenwick elite tech smallmouth in your preferred  action and length and a pflueger supreme spinning reel. 

Sounds like good advice.

I've got that new Abu vengeance rod MF I use it for my small crank baits and square bills it's decent for that purpose only.