Most fishers, beginenrs or experts, need a high-quality spinning rod and reel combination that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possible. in both salt and freshwater.

There are ultralight rods costing upwards of $2000 in the market, but most fishers can get the best fishing done on a great rod costing no more than $200.

If you are a casting fisher, you will need a sensitive and flexible rod. If you are luring fisher, you need a rod with "fast action", something stiffer.

Most fishing rods are made out of fiberglass, graphite, or a mixture of both. 

All-graphite rods are lighter and stiffer (faster action). However, all-graphite rods are more brittle. 

A fiberglass rod is heavier but more flexible (“slow action”). It is like a whipping stick, and almost impossible to break. 

A beginner or all-around fisher needs a combination of both graphite and fiberglass for versatility. Using a fishing rod made of composite materials, you get stiffness to adequately manipulate a lure, while maintaining enough sensitivity for detecting small bites.

You also need to think about the guides, which are loops that lead, or guide, the line from the reel to the tip (the skinny end) of the fishing rod.

Many fishing rods come with multiple-piece guides made of either thin stainless steel or aluminum oxide (ceramic) frames holding cheap ceramic O-ring inserts (rings designed to protect the insides of the guides and prevent line wear) that chip or corrode, and eventually fail.

The best fishing rod: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 (tough and versatile for big fish as well as small fish)

The second best fishing rod: Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite (stiffer than the GX2, a bit extra cost)  

The best fishing reel: Penn Battle II Spinning Reel (solid build, long lasting, enough drag for big fish)

The second best fishing reel: Okuma Azores (larger size, for larger fish, pricier)