It's true what everybody is saying about the higher the price the better the quality. I have been known to pull the trigger on an expensive item if the timing is right but for the most part I have to be a savvy shopper because of my budget. 100 bucks should be your low point. I was a fan of the BPS pro qualifier until the end of last year when 2 out of 5 of them started to fail (anti reverse stopped working in cold weather). I'm becoming a fan of the abu garcia revo line. Right now I have the winch and an stx. I'm pretty sure I'm going to add an stx and probably am going to try out the s which I've seen for as low as 108. I'd suggest that reel over a pro qualifier every day. As for the rod, I'm pretty sure there are about a million different choices in the 100 range. St Croix mojo is a rod that I have and can say with confidence is a great rod in the 100 range. I have the 6'6 jig/worm rod and it's pretty awesome. Out of personal preferences I wish it were the 7' because I like a longer rod. I didn't know that at the time I purchased the 6'6. You have to use a few different rod sizes before you know what you like. With the winter upon us you have time. Take a trip to BPS with just the intent to check out rods. There have been some good sales online. Some sites like
http://www.thehookuptackle.com/ and
http://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/ always have free shipping even on rods. Good luck man
This site is still having their black friday sale. 25% off plus free shipping over 50.
http://www.tacklecenter.com/casting-rods