If you are on a budget look at the Cabelas brand of spinning rods. They are having a sale on the Tourney Trail rods. They are half price about $35.00 right now. I have 3 of them and bought 2 of them 6 years ago when they were priced at $39.00 full price. No problems and I fish the crap out of them.
I also have some more expensive rods and don't see much difference between those and the Cabelas rods.
The St. Croix rods are very nice indeed but too much money for me.
A $20.00 rod from Walmart though would not be my choice.
I will spend more on a good well built reel with a smooth finely adjustable drag.
As far a landing nets only if I'm fishing for large fish from a boat do I ever need a net. If I lose a fish at my feet well so be it
Good luck
