Good morning all.

I am 65. I grew up fishing for panfish mainly from the banks of southern US creeks/rivers/lakes.
 
I have some old equipment, still works but thinking about getting me a new rod/reel.
 
Just  want something new.
 
Okay, for fishing for bluegill and the like...give me some recommendations please!
 
I have some budget, but don't want to spend money just to spend money. I can go north of $100 for something sweet in a rod and reel.
 
I prefer spinning.
 
What is a sweet must have spinning reel? What is a good matching rod?
 
As I said, don't want to spend money just to spend money, so if there are some cheap/budget reels/rods that you really like, what are they?

Thanks. 

I bought a Cadence spinning rod and like it. From what I had researched on them, they seem to be one of the best bang for the buck rods. They are $70, so not going to be a below $100 combo unless you go pretty cheap on a reel. I have no suggestion for that. Mine is matched with a Penn Battle 3, so combo was just under $200. Would check out the Diawa BG reel too if using in all freshwater. Although I hear they are good in salt too. I prefer sealed bearings, since I have a habit of getting splashed by waves when wading.

I do have some other sub $100 combos, but none that I would recommend. Most of the reels under $100 are either graphite or filled with plastic parts. Work okay for a few years, but then something inside breaks eventually.

I would look no farther than the Ugly Stik Elite rod and reel combo offered on this web site FishUSA.   I own around ten Ugly Stik rods and they have worked great for me over the years. Also I buy my equipment from FishUSA, they can't be beat!

I have 2 all around combos. 8' 6" Med-lite Riversider 1 with a 2500BG and the other with a Cabelas reel both filled with briad. And when I mean all around. I use them for everything and caught everything on them. Trolled with them at Erie, thrown metal in the Niagara, drifted bait.. ect ect ect. Hopethisahelpa

I prefer longer rods when convenient. My main 2 panfish rods are a 7'6"ul and an 8'6" light action. I mainly use the light action one for heavier stuff, like slip bobbers, or spinners larger than the smallest size. I haven't shopped for reels in a few years, but likely anything above the $30 range will be great for panfish. If you haven't used braided line in the past, I suggest you look into it. Greatly increased sensitivity and casting distance. But does have it's drawbacks.

I too like a bit longer. 8’-6” is huge. If you are fishing open areas, it will give you a ton of extra distance. I use an 8’-6” for my saltwater metal slinger and have used lighter steelhead noodle rod for slinging lighter baits when I am looking for distance. If fishing near overhangs, it is challenging though.. I second the braid thing. Most of the time great, but will end up with knots that are unexplainable at times. Will happen at the rod tip at times too with the longer rods and sort of an PIA. Avoid braid at all costs with small kids….

I ordered a rod and reel from a new to me site named Temu. Prices are very reasonable for panfish equipment. Got the set for under $60. and there were many more a little more. Got two units for bluegill fishing. Give them a look. You will be surprised. Good shipping time too.

  This week I've been using a yellow Eagle Claw 6'6" "Feather Light" from the 1970's. Just found 3 more a minute ago new never used, plastic still on the cork handle in the game room. They were a very inexpensive rod but I love the feel. The tip is very whippy so a ton of action on a float by just a tiny twitch ov the wrist. Pretty much any smaller reel over $30 that you like should be fine.
 
  Have 4, 9' Crappie Hunter's but don't use them, to long for me while wading most areas I fish. I stay 7' and under for wading and trouncing through brush and woods.
 
 crappy
 

 If I had to buy one rod to last me a lifetime it would be a 7' Ugly Stik Pro from WM. I can't seem to break them weather running over with the truck, closing the car door or window on them and even got one caught in a ceiling fan while a jig was imbedded in my hand and couldn't reach the pull chain to shut it off  
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQuJUbAQJ58
 
crappy

chauncy
I ordered a rod and reel from a new to me site named Temu. Prices are very reasonable for panfish equipment. Got the set for under $60. and there were many more a little more. Got two units for bluegill fishing. Give them a look. You will be surprised. Good shipping time too.

I have wondered how safe that site is. I see some nice shoes and other items for like $3. Always thought it was too good to be true type site. Have you used it for other items, any issues with it?