i would suggest looking into the Shimano Clarus rods, they are 120 bucks, and have an over the counter lifetime warranty (non idiot related)... the Okuma SST would be another rod to consider.. you are likely to get one of those, for under the price of a used Loomis or Lamiglas... as far as reels, theres very good ones available now, that wont break the bank... then you can spend more money on the things that actually catch the fish wink