I would definitely spend the money on a DECENT bait caster, especially if you're going to buy a new rod and everything, might as well do it right.. you know?

What are you going to be fishing for????

If you're planning on targeting coho, steelhead, or fish similar in size id go with a curado 201 by shimano.. this reel will run you about 119.

This was my first year using a bait caster and I can tell you I LOVE THE REEL… I was casting it with no problems after about 30 seconds. One thing though, make you use adjust the brakes until you get the hang of it. For casting Small weights id turn all the brakes on which will slow the spool (you wont backlash as easy) one downside of this is you wont cast as far.

If you're going to USE this reel a lot you might want to get the super free model, curado or chronarch.

Casey