I tend to hang with the lower cost choices. I have a Berkeley Lightning 8ft ultra light. 1/32 to 3/8 oz. I have an old Shimano 200 spinning reel. Probably $60-70 in both. Not for big fish, but great for trout we have around here. Works great for the budget.
I bought a couple of rod cases for mine. I can put 3-4 rods in a 3 compartment case. Helps to transport. I also bought 2-3 old tackle boxes/bags to outfit for the type fishing. 1 box for boat, 1 for lake/dam , and 1 for trout/crappie. 1 common pouch with the hook tools/ pliers/ etc.
Cabelas has a $12 bag with a lot of pockets. You can put 4-6 Plano boxes inside. Pretty handy and inexpensive.
I have an iBobber for a couple of years now. It works within its limitations. Its bluetooth so only about 30ft range. It reads bottom well and spots fish. Uses battery on your phone a lot.
I have a couple of old Zebco 33s from when they were made in the USA. They belonged to my Dad. He’s not here with me anymore. But he was 6’6” 240lb WWII vet. I would challenge anyone to disrespect him or his gear ! With good line on them they perform great. I mostly use them as a dock rod or trolling. Sure there are better options now, but if you like it do what makes you happy.
I broke an ugly stick at the 2nd eye. I cut off near the eye and trimmed the tip until it would slide inside and then glued together. Its barely noticeable. I know it messed up the action, but its a great trolling rod or dock rod. Makes a cheap spare or loaner rod too
A good tag agent can tell you what you will need. They can search the vin for owner
I bought a Curado DC back in the spring. I put it on a St Croix medium fast 7’. That’s my retirement present to myself. I’m happy with it. I still have 12 lb mono from BP on it. Only one bad backlash while I was learning it. My other baitcasters are Abu and Pfleuger President. I’m happy with them too.
I’m happy with my Abu Black Max. Under $100. Also have a President on a Berkley lightning 7’ medium fast. About $100 also. I save up the points on my credit card so most of my gear is free.
I have found the bait shops where we go often have some great deals on the popular gear for their location. Only problem now is pandemic fisherman have bought everything and still sold out in lots of places.
My first baitcaster combo was an Abu Garcia BlackMax reel and medium heavy rod. Just under $100 on sale at Cabelas. It’s two years old and still going great with no problem. I recently bought a Shimano Curado DC and put it on a St Croix 7’ medium fast rod. A little over $350. Its great, the rod is much lighter. But I am still very happy with my $100 Abu and still use it often. Another $100 opton - I also have a President with a Berkley Lighting 7’ medium fast. Works great too.
BP loaded my new Shimano Curado DC with 12lb mono to get me going. They didn’t even tie it on. Another store tried the same stunt when I bought a spinning reel from them. Do it yourself if you want it done right !
I have an iBobber. Its bluetooth so range is limited to about 30 ft. You can use it for your bobber and it will alarm if you get a bite.
My favorite is a vintage shimano FX-200. I like the rear drag. Available very very reasonable on ebay. Just inspect pics for condition. I have bought 4 in the last few months. I mated with Berkley lightning medium fast. I have about $50 in one.
I switched mine to right when I was fishing at a dam. Reeling in striper that weighed 4-5 lbs was wearing out my left hand. But easy to change. Whatever is comfortable for you. No right or wrong.