and that means more toys for me.  i was hoping to use this opportunity to make finese setup.  what do you guys recommend.  i have a feeling a spinning reel and rod is going to be the way to go.  the budget will behopefully under 200 (the cheaper the better).  i was looking at some of the shimano or the daiwa reels.  as for the rods, i have no idea what to go with.  thanks for your opinions.  

i would stick w/ shimano reels in the 2000 or 2500 size.  you can get a sedona for $50 or a sahara for $60.....both are fine reels.  this leaves you more for your rod.  which with finese tactics sensitivity is important.  i can't really recommend a rod for finese fishing since i don't do it much.  

My birthday was the 27th and the wife bought me a 2500 Sustain ;D

My birthday was the 27th and the wife bought me a 2500 Sustain ;D

Nice reel, congrats!! I really love mine  

I would definitely stick with the Shimano reels.  The lower end (priced) reels are better quality than the competitors.  You might be best served with a Shimano Symetre for $80.

As for the rod, I would personally go for a 6'6" medium power rod.  A couple of good ones in your range are the St. Croix Premier for $90 or the Fenwick HMX for $80.  Either of those combined with the above reel would give you a good, light, sensitive combo that should last you for a long time, without breaking the bank.

hey thanks for all the opinions. keep em comming. i will be accidentally dropping the list by my grilfriend real soon lol. oh yeah, can someone explain the front drag vs. rear drag?  or at least tell me in short which one is better.  thanks guys

stick w/ the front drag.  they are smoother and more reliable

Rear drag has a knob on the bottom that is used to set the drag.  Supposedly you change change the drag while fighting the fish.  Front drag uses the same knob on top of the spool that is used to screw the spool on & off.  Front drags have a better rep.  

Leon

I'd go with the front drag, they are much smoother.

Falcon

sweet thanks a bunch guys.  keep'em comming with recommendations