Best single rod/reel combo for steelheading? How about:

Loomis GL3 1024 rod with a Shimano Currado reel: about $380

Best rod/reel for the money? How about:

Berkeley Air 7 (8-12 lb) with an Ambassadeur 5500 reel: about $145

For spinning, sub a Shimano Sahara 2000 ($50 or so). If you think your going to really get into it, casting reels are the way to go. The Berkeley is the only standard taper steelhead rod that I would buy that is under $100. Some good noodle rods run less.

[This message has been edited by obsessed (edited 05-16-2000).]