At Cabelas you can get a Fish Eagle XML/Stradic combination for a steal. FE XML 10 ft, 8-15 lb, rod and Stradic 4000 spinning reel for $219. The reel goes for $139 which means you're paying $79 for the rod. Last year they had these rods for $129 each and if you bought two you would get one free. I recommend getting the butt counter weights for $10.