On 3/7/2019 at 4:32 PM, The Bassman said:

FWIW don't abandon your spinning tackle completely. There are times that you'll need it.

Exactly my thoughts. As for the Rod+reel, I'd Say dont rule out Fenwick HMX and HMG. For the reel I'd order a KK Assassin.

On 3/6/2019 at 8:18 PM, LCG said:

Using braid as a main line will greatly help with sensitivity regardless of which rod you choose

+1 Braid has made my ugly stick feel insanely sensitive. I just got my first baitcaster and using mono to learn shows me just how much a difference Braid makes

since its so early in the year id be on the hunt for a used rod. facebook marketplace would be a great way to find one locally.

Why not ask your parents for a BPS/Cabelas gift card for Christmas and when the big annual Bass Pro Classic sale occurs in the early spring you will be amazed at the sale deals on equipment, including combos really, really reasonably priced.  Don't be afraid of BPS stuff.  Their Pro Qualifier reel in now on sale at $70 and the same price for the Pro Qualifier rods.  I do not have that rod, but do have several Carbonlite 2.0 rods I bought at last years Classic sale for $100.  Even though I have moved on to Shimano products I did have a Pro Qualifier reel for over three years and it was an incredible reel.  I traded it in during a Classic sale on a Shimano reel and received cash toward the Shimano.  Something you do in the future for any other reel.  During this annual Classic early spring sale you can also trade in a rod for cash toward another rod.