I want to get a new bait casting rod and reel but with so many items on the market I don't know what to get. I don't want to spend over $250 and I want a quality baitcasting reel and rod. Anyone have any suggestions?

The rod: http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=670

            (Hit "add to cart" to see the actual price with discount)

The reel: http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=11227

Total cost: $272.99

No sales tax and free shipping!

if you have a basspro around this is a great combo. only 150 bucks to.  8 bearing reel. a friend bought one and its perfect. casts a mile to.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90575_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

I agree with fisherboy, these are great for the $ -- I have two of them and plan on picking up at least one more.

for a rod get a ugly stick

yea I have good experience with an ugly stick but I have used spinning reels mostly and I know some baitcasters but I really don't have a clue what kind to buy. Great ideas so far, more are welcomed

Revo SX and St Croix Premier

For the reel I'd go with a REVO. Can't go wrong with an ABU. No suggestion on the rod. I still haven't graduated from the BPS $30 graphite series. lol.

Man, we have a lot of rod & reel threads working this week. I brought this one back to the top because the pricing point seems to address the questions being asked on other threads.

I really like my Revo, however, i hate the bass pro shops bionic blade rod, it came with.  

if you want to spend over a hundred dollars do not buy another ugly stick

I really like my Revo, however, i hate the bass pro shops bionic blade rod, it came with.

I bought a Bionic Blade for crankbaits and spinnerbaits but I wouldn't use it for jigs and plastics.

The rod:  http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=670

             (Hit "add to cart" to see the actual price with discount)

The reel:  http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=11227

Total cost: $272.99

No sales tax and free shipping!

You were absolutely right in recommending these guys from Reeds, super competitive prices, great selection and fast shiping.

check out reelfishingdeals.com best prices on shimano reels from 15 to 50 buks cheaper ;D

i used to use the Ugly Stick but that was with a budget wayyy lower than 250, if you have a budget that high, do NOT get an Ugly Stick.

I really like the Rick Clunn reel from BPS but I use it with a M, 7' Tourney special rod.   I really like this combo but even at full price it would only top out at $150.  I know that Roadwarrior loves Shimano and has a lot of experience with them.  I would seriously concider his suggestions if your price range is in the $250 range.  You get what you pay for and I am sure that my equipment doesn't perform nearly as good as Roadwarrior's.