RE: baitcaster
A good baitcaster to start w/ is a 4600Ambassadeur. You readily find them on eBay for $40-50. But, I had a couple that I havepuchased for around $30 that have been good reels. These reels are used of course, but Ambassaduer baitcaster are the most durable and great to start with. I learned how to use a baitcaster on an old Ambassadeur 5500D that was my dad's and handed down to me to start with. My dad collects Ambassaduer reels and I own about 10 myself, but have shimano's as well. But, I recommed starting with an Ambassadeur 4600 and go to Walmart and get a rod on clearance. I purchased a Falcon original from Walmart last fall for $35.00--Medium Heavy-6.5'. Just be patient on eBay and at Walmart andyou can find some good deals.