I need suggestions and opinions what rod and reel to buy for cats and stripers. I want a new setup for the 2003 season. I only have 200 dollars to spend (I'm a married man with three kids at home). .Thanks

Im in the same boat.. Have the same amount and looking for the same thing.. Any help would be nice.. thanks

I dont know exactly what you guys are looking for but I just got this rod for messing around. Its only 29.99 and looks like it could handle almost anything. http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=44305&hvarSearchValue2=130&hvarSearchValue3=088&hvarSearchValue4=00&hvarTarget=search

You cannot beat a Shimano Bait runner for 99.00 and a california or allstar rod . 7ft is about right.

thanks for the help but what about a spinning reel & rod? I do like Shimano. Which type of reel would be best and is there a difference or just preference? (as far as other types of reels...) Thanks

go and check out the okuma reels. really nice reels and great prices for the good quality of reels they are.
dont know where you live at but i know in san jose/south bay area reeds and coyote bait sell them and you can check them out before committing to a purchase.
good luck,
tim

As of today, I don't have a problem with Shimano spinning reels (a baitrunner would be my first choice). I would consider the Abu Garcia baitcaster but I'm a novice and don't want to spend a lot of time learning how to fish it.