Good all around rods and reels

So what's more important? Good rod or good reel?

Depends if you are fishing for most saltwater fish I would say reel if you are fishing for steeelhead or finesse fishing for bass where you need sensitivity I would say rod

Its hard to beat Uglystik's. I know they aren't the best, but I always have had good experiences with them. For reels, my big criteria is that it has "infinite" anti reverse. Nothing angers me more than my reel spinning backward a half a turn before it hooks up. Its good to have a high gear ratio if you are fishing spinnerbaits or cranks. Makes life nice, but can be to agressive if fishing for finesse. Like plastics or jigs.

Reels, because they provide more versatility. For example, I use the same reel (Penn Slammer 460) on 4 or 5 different rods depending what kind of fishing I'm doing...surf rod for perch, swimbait rod for freshwater stripers, 8ft rod for river steelhead, bait rod for catfish/stripers, trolling rod for stripers/trout/bass, flipping stick or worm rod for bass, and sometimes on a Seeker for light tackle rockfish.

Depends if you are fishing for most saltwater fish I would say reel if you are fishing for steeelhead or finesse fishing for bass where you need sensitivity I would say rod

x2!

So what's more important? Good rod or good reel?

I would have to say all the above.  That's why everyone has a personal preference.

Daiwa Laguna, they are one of my favorite all around reel, though you need to wash them after salt use.

Thanks for all the input, I took what I saw here, plus read a bunch of old rigging set up threads that everyone had previously asked similar questions.

I picked up the Pflueger President (6930)/Cabela's Tourney Trail Split Grip Spinning Combo (6'-6" ML) on sale for $69.98.

Still looking at getting a salt set up for cod/salmon/halibut. I've narrowed it to the Penn Fierce or Battle either in a combo set up or with a 7' Ugly Stik Tiger

My questions are is the Ugly Stik Tiger much better that the combo Penn rod you would get with the fierce or the battle? And would the 5000 be the best size?

The penn battle is on sale @ American fishing legacy its 59.99 I think

The penn battle is on sale @ American fishing legacy its 59.99 I think

they do, good heads up. They don't have the 5000 only the 4000 and the 6000. Is the 4000 enough is the 6000 to much/heavy.

I couldn't tell you im not a big penn person. But I think the 4000 is plenty. Cause your using 30-50lb braid.the 6000 will be very heavy.maybe someone can chime in

Ugly Stik Tigers are always good all-around, as long as you can get over the awkward color pattern (it's called ugly for a reason). Not to mention that they go for about the same price as a Battle combo...But they're more sensitive and durable imo so if you want a good dependable rod that'll last you for years, go with the Tiger. Best check both in the store before purchasing though.

we sell so many Ugly Stik Tigers w/Penn Fierce 5000 it`s not even funny...good  set up w/o breaking the bank.. I know one very very good kayak angler that uses the Ugly Stik with a Penn Senator  as his go to rig for Sturgeon..

You working at OPS?

we sell so many Ugly Stik Tigers w/Penn Fierce 5000 it`s not even funny...good  set up w/o breaking the bank.. I know one very very good kayak angler that uses the Ugly Stik with a Penn Senator  as his go to rig for Sturgeon..

You working at OPS?

Yep...since Feb.

What is OPS?

we sell so many Ugly Stik Tigers w/Penn Fierce 5000 it`s not even funny...good  set up w/o breaking the bank.. I know one very very good kayak angler that uses the Ugly Stik with a Penn Senator  as his go to rig for Sturgeon..

You working at OPS?

Yep...since Feb.

Ohhhhh yeahhh Vic, why you holding out....  Nice job.