Recommend a portable FW Rod & Reel combo.

[Dolomite]

I know, I know – you’re all going to say Ron Popeil’s Pocket Fisherman



(But it’s only $19.95!)

What about something for a city boy to throw into the trunk of his car and really only give it a good working out a few times a year?

We’re talking small mouths and maybe the occasional smallish northern pike. Casting lures mostly, but I've never met a bait casting reel I've liked (and don't want to spend that much $$$).

[Redneck Socialist]

1. Spend as much as you can afford on the reel

(I assume you're talking spinning reels here, given your professed aversion to bait casters). You can get a more than decent rod for thirty bucks or so. I've been pretty happy with both Diawa and Quantum.

For what you described I'd get a two piece, 6 1/2 to 7 foot rod in medium or medium heavy action and a mid sized reel capable of handling 10 or 12 pound test line. That should cover your general needs for most any freshwater fish in the US.

Good luck and happy fishin'

(I'm going out tomorrow, if I can get my ass off to bed sometime soon. :)