I had to pick up a "ship to store" order at Cabela's last night after work, and did finally give in and pick up one of the Quantum Kinetic PT's for $59. Paired it with a Cabela's brand Tourney Trail Rod (they are currently 1/2 off) for $32. Nice outfit for $92 plus tax.

Also picked up a Cherrywood rod at Academy to pair with the Mitchell 308 I got a Wallyworld last week until I can find a rod I really want. $17 for the reel and $10 (after $3 rebate) for the rod ... can't hardly find a garbage combo for that price.

If I was looking for one set up to cover the most bases it'd be a 6' 6" to 7' 0" MH spinning set up... I'd spend more on the rod than the reel... You might be able to find an Abu Garcia Vendetta for around 60 bucks and the size 20-30 Okuma Spinning reels in the 40 dollar range are not bad.

I actually don't have a combo like this since I carry 4-6 rods each time out, but years ago when limited to only one rod something along these lines was it...

10 ball bearing pfluegar president spinning reel

http://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-Presiden...ping_googlebase

not sure about bass pro but academy will put the line on your bought reel free

BassPro's policy is they will put line on free for reels > $100. However, if you catch the right person at a time when they are not too busy, they will sometimes waive the minimum purchase requirement.

Cabela's will install line free on any reel purchase.

imo I really like spinning reels that is all I fish with because im a light tackle fisherman I have two recomendations I love okuma reels and the pflueger president line those two are all ive used over the past decade and still running strong pair either brand with an all star rod and you have a great combo that will last forever and be right at your $100 dollar price point

That's why I shop at Cabelas! I think they will only put mono on for you though.

bass pro's fishing selection is much better imo.

I know this is out of your price range and is not a combo but if you can swing $120 for a spinning reel you might read all the reviews at bass pro shop on the Daiwa SS Tournament Spinning Reels. The design has not changed in 30 years because they are tough as nails and have a "following". They don't have all the bells & whistles like many spinning reels & they don't look pretty, but it's a proven workhorse that may outlast reels 2 or 3 times the price. For baitcast reels, again this is not a combo and a little more than the price range mentioned but Garcia 4600's & up can be had for 100 bucks or less "reel only" and can be had cheaper on ebay or craigslist for a used one. The plus side is they will probably outlast most reels costing hundreds more & parts are always available. My 4600 C3 cast 1/4 oz. lures just fine. The new model Black Max for 50 bucks looks sweet but I can not say how well they cast. Maybe someone else who owns one can chime in on that.

Easily the best spinning rod/reel combo I've tried under $100. Really good. After using this, don't see the reason to pay more unless it's just to get a specific type of rod for a specific use.