Hey! I have been bass fishing for about 3 years now and after having elevated my skills and knowledge I have decided to get serious.  I am looking to buy a good rod and a good bait-casting reel.  I want to spend around 100 dollars on the reel and maybe 80 on the rod.  I have been looking but have no clue what brand or what size to buy.  I have lurked on this forum for a while and you all seem to know your stuff... SO ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!!! Thanks.

you would probably be better off spending more on the rod than on the reel.

What type of lures are planning on using?

Welcome aboard!

This might help:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229

To be specific, the Shimano Citica is on sale right now for

around $65. That would be a good place to start. I think you

might be able to pick up a "better" rod within your budget by

keeping an eye on the BassResource.com "Flea Market".

8-)

I plan on using a lot of soft plastics, crank-baits, and top water poppers.  So maybe I should go 100 on each? I have 350 to spend on a new rod, reel, soft tackle box, and some new lures.  What would be the ideal ratio to spend on each item?

I would get one of the citicas that RW mentioned.  Also, keep an eye on the flea market for good rod and reel deals.

You could buy a new Citica, a new St. Croix Premier 7' MH rod, and still have money left in you budget for other tackle.  You could fish a lo of different things with this set up.  You could also get a 6'6" rod if you prefer that size.

Thanks a bunch! I really appreciate it!

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

these are right in your buget and for the money...a good buy.IMO

check out *** for your soft plastics there really good and cheap. Id check out the Diawa TD pro from basspro its an awesome reel for around 100$

Garcis revos are great . Smooth and you can throw weightless with no prob . Like thowin butter quiet and super strong .Good fishing to ya 8-)

Wait, in about 2 weeks the BPS Extreme rod and reel combos will go on sale for 99 bucks,great deal

the $100 baitcaster combo question should be a sticky.

id go to bass pro or cabelas and see what theyre doing.

Allow $140 for the reel, and spend $120 on 2 different rods.(7'm,7.5'flippin') To heck with a tacklebox/bag - BUY LURES!!

Okay, looks like I have a lot to look into.  Thanks guys I will get to it immediately!