If you are going to really get into single action reels & mooching then go with Shimano reel and mooching rod, but you really need a level wind for the river and the mooching rod will probably have too soft of a tip for the river. Using the same rod for the river and saltwater is difficult. Make yourself feel good about fishing and get one of each, the best that you can afford and you will get many years of service out of them. It's a lot of money but then again, you only live once.