If money were no issue, what would be the best spinning reel and rod for all around general freshwater fishing? I know, there are many variables, but sparing no expense, what would your dream setup be?

For me it's as follows: Rod - St Croix Legend Elite series...Both ultra lite for sunfish & medium action for bass. (fast action tip) Match that with the appropriate size Pflueger President reel. This is the ultimate combo for me...The rods are pricey, but the reels are reasonable.

Shimano 2500 Stella $699 and g Loomis NRX rod of choice $550.

Both are great products but well out of my price range. I have heard good things about them.

Just give me a good old Shakespeare Ugly Stick 5" rod, small reel combo. $40.00 regular price $29.99 on sale. Can't beat em.

Okay, let me be a bit more specific. I currently use a Curado baitcaster and a Berkeley lightning rod. I have used this setup for all my freshwater needs for longer than I can remember. My daughter-in-law wants to get my son a dream spinning combo (2-piece rod) that he would never spend money on. She's asked me to find something in the $400-700 or so range. I am way more cheap than that and wouldn't ever spend that kind of cash for fishing. I'm looking for a recommendation from those of you with way more knowledge and experience with that kind of equipment than I. He and his boys are bank fisherman. Catching bass, bluegill, small stripers, etc......occasional snapping turtle.....

Need to know what he's fishing for,..is he fishing for Tarpon or Crappie ??

Post edited for fish type.....

Shimano reels are hard to beat.... there are several rods that would go with it, like Dobyn and Bonehead .... I have several G-loomis rods, and they are nice, but not worth the extra money.
Tell her to get a good Shimano reel and then a light weight quality rod about 7' MH fast tip, and he will be happy.

https://www.tackledirect.com/okuma-epixor-xt-spinning-reels.html

https://www.tackledirect.com/13-fishing-defy-black-2-spinning-rods.html

This may be a more reasonable priced pair. I really like my Okuma reels. I have 6.

Thanks for the input. Ended up with a Shimano reel and Dobyns rod from Tackle Direct......

You really need two setups for the variety of fish he targets. I suspect that what you decided to suggest is good for bass and striper. For bluegill he needs a lighter setup, which can be had for $100 - $200. For the reel look at the Daiwa Regal in 1000 size or the Pflueger President in 2000 size. For the rod look at light or ultralight fast action from St. Croix (Panfish special or Triumph) or Okuma SST; longer lengths will help a lot with casting small lures.