Those old Ugly Stik commercials are hilarious. Expensive rods like Loomis and the like are great. But many of us cannot afford such fine gear. For my money the Ugly Stik series can fill most of my fishing needs. Rods can and do get broken. It would pain me to know end to lose or ruin a $100.00 plus Rod. I shudder to think what the wife would say about that !

We should try banging a rock (or something) on the bottom of our boats to draw the fish to us. Seems that it may also be counter-productive to what we taught. Jest sayin'.

I agree with the posts about Piscifun and Okuma Reels. All models are fairly priced. Good to excellent quality across the board. I also would add the same for Quantum, Cadence and Sougayilang Reels, which I have purchased many models of these within the last 3 years alone. Can't really go wrong for the price you pay for any of them. And of course Pflueger, Abu Garcia, Mitchell, Daiwa, Shimano and Zebco.. I fish almost every day (it's so good to be retired !) and never had any problems. Been fishing for more than 60 years and have a collection of over 100 serviceable rods and reels (at last count). I've never paid over $80 for any rod or reel.
There are some good rods and reels available for under $20 each. ALL will catch FISH ! Most would serve well for the occasional angler. If you're a Pro, you probably turn your nose up at most lower price tackle. Then again, if money is no object and within your budget, enjoy using the high-priced Loomis Rod and a Top-Shelf Reel. You really don't need that to enjoy fishing but perhaps you have earned the right to treat yourself to some expensive fishing gear. As a frequent member always says: "Just sayin."

I've got many Reels that work great in and even BELOW that price range !
Also, I gotta say most fishing reels under $100.00 are made nowadays in CHINA.

Picture shows a Quantum Optix 40 spinning reel. Best to just get a New Reel for about $30.00 or so. Warranty on most reels are for 1 year. And you may need proof or purchase or prior registration. Let's not jump all over Quantum, guys. Anything manufactured may have a hidden flaw. It's an imperfect world we live in. Enough said ?

Hmmm..."going thru garage found this among my poles." Something definitely fishy about this ! Says he don't know about this rod with 2 different types of reels mounted. Seems like may have one set of guides. Would love to see more pictures. How could one forget a weird combo like that ? I'd say it must be custom made; not made by any manufacturer for retail sale. A joke to make for a conversation piece. If not, then I'll eat my hat (straw is edible).

I have several Quantum Optix Reels and never had a problem. This had to be caused by a factory defect in the reel's stem. These reels are decent and inexpensive. Don't bother the repair, it may break again. Better to buy a new reel for less than the probable cost to repair. Save the old reel for parts.

I'm also with lee626. I own several Pflueger President Spinning Reels and love 'em. For fishing in Northern Michigan, the size 30 or 35 should be fine.

WHAT RODS Do YOU ALREAY HAVE (brand models) ?

Here's the dope on the President Reels.
Great value! The President spinning reel is first in its class in both features and performance delivering a reel that will impress over and over again.
•10 Bearing System - Corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings
•Graphite Body and Rotor - Lightweight graphite reel construction
•Braid Ready Spool - Allows braid to be tied directly to spool
•Stainless Steel/Oil Felt Drag - Consistent drag pressure, and corrosion resistant
•Aluminum Handle - Aircraft grade aluminum, extreme durability
•Soft Touch Knob - Soft touch rubber knob provides excellent grip and comfort
•Aluminum Bail - Thick aluminum bail wire design, rigid to prevent mis-shaping

Just beginning to fish ? All the other answers are good.
BUT the big question is: How Much do you want to spend for both
a Rod & Reel ?
You can get a great starting combo for under $100.00.
You may spend more but for a new angler that will get
you starting out very well. Get the best line suited for your
combo; I favor braid but quality mono or fluorocarbon
is also suitable. Best of Luck in all your Fishing Adventures !

I've used Shakespeare Ugly Stiks for many years. Can't go wrong for the price. The GX2 Series is not just fiberglass... it's both fiberglass and GRAPHITE !

The Ugly Stik® Elite series features 35% more graphite than Ugly Stik® GX2™ for a lighter weight rod, while maintaining the legendary toughness you've come to expect from Ugly Stik®. Ugly Stik® Elite rods feature premium CORK handles, Ugly Tuff™ guides for durability and the Ugly Stik® Clear Tip® design.

You will pay MORE for a premium all-graphite rod. But for most average anglers, these Ugly Stiks are well worth their low price.

By the way, I also like to fish with the Zebco RHINO Tough series. Comparable to the Ugly Stik but at a lower price.

Gotta be a CREEK CHUB. So many guys were way off the mark !

Here's some helpful pictures of each fish for identification:

https://static.fishingstage.com/upload/2020/9/10/t1-598264-borbuttttec5jxmnx4aah4k3.jpg

Both are well worth the price. I have the Zebco Dock Demon combo and it really does perform well.
The Zebco rod proves stronger of the two, while the other can cast further because it's 6 inches longer. Both are capable of landing big fish. Check out the video comparison test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TWC_J00-c.

The 3 very first lures I bought in the 1960's were the Arbogast Jitterbug and Hula Popper along with a floating diving Heddon River Runt Spook. All great lures for Bass.

Astro Tables ? Lunar Cycles ? I've fished for over 65 years and I think these are bunch of PHOOEY ! Might as well check your daily horoscope forecast. I hear that those who are Pisces or Aquarius are the BEST Fishermen.
You will NEVER catch any fish if you don't go out and TRY !
I fish every chance I get and that's just about EVERY Day in good weather. I'm talking about freshwater.
Maybe saltwater fishing may be different.