Not sure if they carry them in other stores but the BassPro shop in Garland has cheap 9' Shimano rod for $20, it's not the greatest but you can pull in pretty much any thing at the end of your line from channel to 50lbs blue catfish with this pole. For the rest of your money you can buy a Shimano Socorro 5000 spinning reel (also at BPS ) $69, or you can shop online for the plastic package version of this reel (vs the paper box package ) which can save $15. With this setup you are ready to catch catfish like a pro.

MeatHunter Rods

http://www.rfsportsinc.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=4&Category_ID=1

What about the Abu Garcia catfish commando?

AG 6500 on a ugly stik tiger lite

I bought the King Kat with bait runner reel that was recommended by another member , I have never used a bait runner before and I have to say I really like it , I picked up two little channels on Lavon and it was really nice to just pick up the pole and not have to mess with the main drag to start reeling in .

How does the bait runner work?

Save your money and get new Abu Garcia 6500c from Amazon prime...$108 delivered...make sure it is a c model and not the s...c is made in Sweden...you can thank me in 10-20 yrs when that baby is still yanking out cats and all those other Chinese and Korean reels are broke down collecting dust...mine are all paired with 7' ugly stick Med heavy catfish special rods...u can get the rod on Amazon for 38 bucks....hell of a catfish rig

If you're going to spend $80 to a $100, I say learn to build your own rods. You can get $200 rod for only $50 to $75.