Rods and reels preferences are a lot like Chevy-Ford-Dodge-Toyota. Everyone has their own preference. The thing to remember is to buy quality rods and reels. If you take care of them they will work forever. With that said, quality does not necessarily mean high dollar. Rods and reels don't find fish, but you will detect more bites and catch more fish with smotthly working sensitive equipment designed for the type of fishing you are going to do. For rods I don't think you can find more bang for your buck than the Shimano Clarus rods. They are very sensitive and have a lifetime guarantee. I have both baitcasting and spinning rods including ultralights. We have broken 4 or 5 of the ultralights. Four were our fault and one was on the manufacturer. The ones that were my fault they sent me a new rod for 50% of the retail price. The one that was their fault was replaced at no charge. My baitcasting rods are in use an average of 4-5 days per week from February through October. I have yet to break one of them. For reels I have a dozen of the old green Shimano Curados. Paid $85 to $125 for them over the years. I tear them down completely every 2 years, clean each part including bearings, replace any bearings that no longer spin freely, re-lube, and put them back together. Still work like a charm. Was cleaning up a cabinet yesterday and low and behold a brand new Curado in the box. Never had line on it. Spinning reels are quantum Pti ultralights and a couple Shimanos. None are high dollar, they run smoothly, and the drags are nice and smooth.