Hey everyone, new to the club.
  I've been looking for some starter combo's to replace some of my worn out cheapo's and get my GF her own rods.  I'm looking to spend around $30 - $40 per combo.  I'm mainly looking into spinning reels right now.  I'm hoping for a differrent rod for Bass:  soft bait, crank/hard bait, and spinners.  Also one that would be just fine for pan fish.  I'm looking into some catfish rod for myself.  So please everyone give me your opionions.  Alos what should I look for when buying? (weight, balance, play in the anti reverse, ect)  Thanks, James

           Check out the UGLY STICK combo`s the reels are good enough but you beat the poles.They have lady uglies too.
Old-fart Catfisher

I second the Ugly Stik combo's! I have an ultra light combo, and I love it! You can pull some nice sized bass with it, or change hook size and catch a boat load of panfish. Bass Pro Shops have a cat combo for $35-$40. I cant remember the name, but I will look it up and get back to you. By the way, welcome to the club.
Lifer since 05/08....Ky....Fred

Buckeye: I don't think you can go wrong with the Uglistick combos. Also check out the Cabela's Fish Eagle combos. They are a bit above your price range but an excellent value. My son and his wife, as well as my wife are occasional anglers and fish with them. I am actually considering buying a couple to keep as loaners. It all boils down to budget. One word of caution- if you buy a combo that is pre-spooled with line, throw it away and re-spool with fresh line. The Cabela's house brand mono is good quality and really cheap in the large spools. If you have any more questions, PM me and I will be glad to respond, just let me know approximatly where you live so I can tailor advice. Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

I agree 100% with Tom. If you buy pre spooled, replace it! I learned that lesson the hard way.
Lifer since 05/08....Ky....Fred

try E-BAY you can get  new equipment cheaper than the stores have, but WATCH OUT FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES

Fred: I remember you relating that story. Supprised you fessed up! Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

Thanks everyone, I've been looking at the ugly sticks pretty heavy.  I agree with the prespooled line. I think I've seen the cabela's combo's in their catalog.  What would be a good lengths for different bass lures?  I sure the length should be different for soft baited carolina or texas rig, hard top water/crank baits, and spinners/buzz baits.  I think she's leaning towards the mediem sized reels.

I'm in agreement with everyone else: Ugly Stick is a good combo. I've hauled in some large bass on my lightweight rod and reel. I don't think you can go wrong with a Shimano 2000 on a decent rod either!

remember you get what you pay for !!!!!  with that in mind try E-BAY or CRAIGS LIST

Look in the Cabela's on-line bargain cave. They have a few decent spinning combos in there for pretty cheap. A Shakespeare Tempest 6 bearing reel with the Cabela's Pro Guide IM6 graphite rod for $25. It comes in 3 sizes. They have a few others in your price range as well.

Try here   Rods and reels

World Record Bass and Trophy Bass Articles, Videos, Gallery http://delawaretrophybass.com

I have a 2007 20th aniversary Ugly... Came with reel for i believe 15 bucks at walmart unspooled back in o7. Gave her a custom paint job that ran me about another 6 bucks, bargain bin spyderwire braid for 6 bucks..... so thats 27 bucks in 2 years...! Best set up ive ever fished with, I use it for everything besides bassin on the boat.... cats, shore bass, rainbows u name it and she's taggin em. FISH ON!!!
El Tercero Uno

Try here   Rods and reels
Northeast Bass Fishing For Trophy Bass http://delawaretrophybass.com

Just like beeatchook said you would be best looking at Cabelas or Bass Pro Shops clearance sales.

It would be better if you could get a higher grade combo at a cheaper price.

Here are a few reels I found today that are really good deals and at a great price. Scroll down to bottom of page when you get there.

REELS ON SALE

Northeast Bass Fishing For Trophy Bass http://delawaretrophybass.com

i like the ugly stick as well. bought my wife a ladystik. according to the website a portion of the price for the ladystiks goes towards breast cancer. i think pfluger has something like that going on as well.

I found a bargain priced combo at Cabela's last week, their Gold Label rod and reel combo for $29.95. I jumped on this as a Christmas gift for my son who is an occasional fisherman. The reel has a graphite frame, which I don't like but should be fine for him. The rod is worth the $30 by itself. The only problem is that when I went back to order a second combo, the price was now $49.95! It's not as much of a no brainer at $50 as it was at $30. Tom
Fishin' fool in N.E. Illinois

i think that the ugli stick rod and reel combo's are the best value for the money and they last awile

I'll ride the train on this one too...Ugly Stick Combo.