Rod and reel suggestions around $200?

I'm finally getting off shore on my own boat... I'm picking up a kayak this week.

I've never spent more than maybe 50 dollars on a rod. I've always taken the quantity over quality approach, and owned poles I beat down and throw away--no maintenance, and they last a year or two tops.

Would a couple-hundred dollars do it? What do you recommend?

If you are an aficionado looking to sell some gear around Dedham, Westwood, Needham, I'd be interested.

I need one good fresh water and one good salt-water rod I can work from my kayak. Hoping to spend less than 400 all together.

***My question was wide open... If the answer is to go to the bass pro shop or read a book, please let me know

I would certainly recomend buying a decent rod if you are going to be fishing a lot. Not sure if you prefer spinning reels or baitcasters but you should check out this web site.
http://www.bbcboards.net/rods-4-sale/
Its a bunch of people all over the place buying, selling, and trading new, and used rods and reels. You can get some really good deals so you can maybe get a better rod for less money. Most of the guys are real solid and they will ship them to you. I use it for most of my stuff and I have definitely saved a LOT of money.

Thanks. I'll check the site. And I fish a ton... What's the advantage of a bait caster? I haven't owned one since I was maybe 13...

Generally speaking, Baitcasters allow you to use heavier line to throw heavier baits and usually can cast farther. You can also get heavier rods to put them on which helps when fishing heavier cover. There are some techniques like flipping and pitching which baitcasters allow you to do.

A good baitcaster combo for short money is the Abu Garcia orra sx combo. They have it at Dick's for 129$. It works almost as well as my revo premier and St. Croix rod I spent over 400$ for.

A great combo in your price range is a shimano sellus rod an shimano citica reel. First combo I bought probably 3 years ago and still use it today

Thanks a bunch guys. I'll probably go with jamesd's suggestion; the price is right and I can grab it on the fly. Dragz, I'll use that site when I have patience for shipping .

Tacklewarehouse.com is free shipping over $50 as well, it has just about everything. The combo I listed above can be had at dicks or bps

biggz53: I'll compare that model against the Ora. Thanks man! How often do you break your reels down for maintenance?

Just during the offseason. As long as everything is lubed properly it should last the year. This past year I sent my reels to darksidereelz.com to be completely cleaned and tuned. Also had the bearings and drags upgraded. Neil did an awesome job on them and improved casting distance on everyone. His username on this board is sinista.

One website I use for a lot of reviews and comparisons is tackletour.com

Tackle tour is a dangerous place man. I get the itch to drop a couple hundred every time I go there