I used to use all name brand cheapo reels cause I didn't know better until I started bass fishing, and gravitated towards Lew's reels. I've been all over the place with rods having Fenwick, Wright and Mcgill, Cabellas, BPS, and Kastking. For bank fishing I use Kastking rods and reels good bang for the buck, and I don't mind getting them roughed up.