If you could take just one....

[Capt. Jerry P]

For an all around rod for sure

A.Kevin Bogan Fish Poison

and

B.Kevin Bogan Fish Poison

Great all around rod for anybody... We have caught all the species above on the rod and it was great for all of them! Many of our customers went out and picked up one of kev rods

You can go get it the way ya want or pick one off the shelf and Kev will help ya pick the right one for no extra charge! He will match it with a real for ya!

Oh and it fits right around your pals budget!

[Ol Pedro]

Real simple the Duck Or Bleed Special . A 40 to 80 lb 6'6" Uglystick and a Jigmaster 500 filled with 30 lb mono .

[Flukinator]

Honestly, the Kevin Bogan basic tog rod I got is probably the perfect rod for just about any inshore fishing all summer long in the ocean. I'd match one up with a Penn Jigmaster if you want to go on the cheaper end, or maybe a Daiwa Sealine 20SHA and would dare anything inshore other than big bluefin to mess with my gear.

If you're talking private boat and more bay fishing than ocean fishing, I'd go lighter, but all-around inshore ocean fishing I think that set-up is tough to beat for the price.

[fishpro28]

Rod:Kevin Bogan ....the poison series is not much more expensive then a rack rod.
Reel: to fit the budget you can get a Takota 600 for around $100
..............
What I would buy on a 250 dollar budget:
Reel: a used Avet SX....$150
Rod: a used Lamiglass rod rated at 20-40lb...$100

[AndyS]

Penn 155L for 40 bux, when he is done with it he can give it to his grandchildren and so on, check the flea markets for the older models.

Any rod will do.

[Rob B]

the tsunami rods hold up pretty good and are very easy on the wallet.

[MoparCharlie]

Avet SX reel and a Shimano Trevala rod 6'6" mh.

Perfect inshore combo.

a little over $250 but worth it.

[JDshots]

I've had good experiences with the Tsunami Airwave rods. The Airwave boat rod can be easily had for under $100.

For a reel, IMHO the Shimano Tekota 600 is a good all-arounder. You should be able to locate one for around $150-160. Spool it with 20-30lb mono and go fishing.

[MVP]

Several good recomendations mentioned. If he lives near the cranford area have him give me a call as I have a few setups both off the shelf and custom that might fit in his budget

MVP
Alex
201-741-1823

[Gerry Zagorski]

I love Avet reels and own several, however if I were an occational fisherman and could only choose one reel for all my salt water fishing it would be a Shimano Bait Runner spinning reel.

Now before you guys start jumping all over me (not that that ever happens here ) let me first say that I know a spinning reel is not ideal for bottom fishing. The reason I like this reel, especially for someone who doesn't fish frequently, is that with out a doubt, spinners are much easier to operate and cast. No backlashes, no lever drag to mess with etc. Further, you can fish this reel in the surf or on a boat. You can jig and cast with it and even snag bunker. The bait runner is nice since it allows you to drift dead bait or live line like you would with a conventional reel.

Having said all this, this reel can't hold a candle to the Avets when it comes to quality construction, smooth drag and durability. It's a compromise reel. Although not perfectly suited for all or any one type of fishing, it covers more of the bases adequately.

Let me put it this way... If one of my buds from the city that occationally fishes came to me and said. Hey, I'm going on a vacation down the shore.... We are going to spend a week at the beach and would also be hitting a few party boats for different stuff, can I borrow one of your poles? This is the reel I would give them. Besides, I ain't lending any of my Avets to some hack who wears black socks with sneakers on the beach... He wouldn't be getting my custom Bogan rod either


OK..... Fire away