Hello all.  I have enjoyed reading the forum for the past six weeks or so, trying to educate myself on a rod/reel upgrade.  Long story short, I have recently returned to the fold (so to speak) and spent the majority of last summer fishing on an inland lake (SW MI) primarily for smalley, LM and pike.  My equipment consisted of a BPS combo ($40 worth); unfortunately, I spent an inordinate amount of time in birdsnest hell.  I am ignorant as to the matching of rod/reel/line/lure, so it may be more 'me' than the equipment.  I started the early summer with primarily crankbaits (up to 1/2 ounce), but then, started to read, watch, listen and learn to use other techniques.  Before the boat was put up, I was having fun w/ tubes and worms.  I cannot wait for spring, but I need some advice on an equipment upgrade.  I was fortunate to receive @ $150 of BPS gift cards, and I would really like to improve my weaponry.  I am all ears (eyes!).  Thanks for a GREAT site.

For the 150 dollars you have i would reccomend getting a Abu Garcia Revo S Reel. This reel is great and has a very good braking system which will allow you to cast thinking of where you want the lure instead of trying not getting a backlash. The rod i recomend would be an Ugly Stik but if you are willing to pay a little more you could get a All Star rod or a St. Croix rod. Of course it would be the cheaper versions though. The Revo line of reels are my favorite reels and if you try one im sure you'll be ABU GARCIA FOR LIFE.

No offense envi3d.................but thats about the worst advice I have ever seen posted here. Tom S. a Revo S is a great reel, but don't buy it from BPS, they are $30 MORE there than any where else. And as for rods, forget the Ugly Stick, unless you want a rod with ZERO sensitivity or back bone. They are good kids, panfish, or catfish rods, but not bass rods. Seems how your gift cards are from BPS I would look at putting most of that towards a  good rod, they have the St Croix Mojo Bass rods for $90-$120, get your self some line, and with shipping your gift card will be gone. Then save some  $$ and go to Reed's Sporting goods and geta Revo S for $99 w/free shipping.

Thanks, guys.  After re-reading some previous posts on rod and reel preferences (I felt pretty stupid RE-posting the same question), I decided to go to the local BPS and narrow my choices.  I prefer spinning reels, so the Pflueger President, Shimano Spirex, Daiwa Exceler and Abu Garcia Cardinal are on the short list.  As far as rod goes, after handling a few, I am leaning toward a St. Croix 6'6" Premier.  Talking to one of the clerks, he recommended P-line flourocarbon for a low memory choice.  I'll be making a decision by the end of the week.  Thanks, again, for the recommendations.

Get the President and the Premier, that's a great combo for the price.

Personally, I don't like fluorocarbon.