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What's the best low-cost pole for salt-water fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast?

I'm planning on finding good piers, causeways, docks and canals. I don't have a lot of money to spend on a fancy pole. I see poles ranging from $12 to well over $100, and I have no idea what to buy. Any advice would be appreciated!

Public Comments

1. See what the locals are using.
Try a Walmart or other discount store.
You can get a decent rod / spinning reel combination for less than $25
Another $10 might get you a "package" that includes rod / reel, hooks , & some basics.
For piers , a medium weight rod 6' or 7' foot should be fine.
Fancy stuff will not necessarily catch more fish.....just fishermen.
Best regards

2. The Penn 220 rod and reel combo works pretty good. There around $70.00 in Mississippi. It also depends on what type of fish. This one works great for cobia, snapper, grouper and sharks.

3. My personal preference for a rod wold have to be an "ugly stick." They are very reasonably priced and are tough enough to handle anything you can stick a hook in.

The rub comes when you go for the bargain real. In this instance I have found that you pretty much get what you pay for. If you favor spinning reels both Penn and Shimano make relatively moderately priced reels that will do the job.

I prefer bait casters personally, due to the generally superior drag systems, with old Penn jigmasters or squidders being my personal favorites for small to medium sized salt water fish. However, as they are now hard come by and require a little knowledge to maintain and repair this would not be my recommendation for you. Diawa makes outstanding bait casters, but can be a little pricey. As are the new top of the line Penn reels, but as I said, you sometimes get what you pay for. Good luck! I hope you catch a big one!