Should I just buy a reel?

[Jay2017]

I want to get a new rod and reel but I'm considering just a reel. Keep in mind I'm only a high school student.  I only use one setup. I'm not going to have 7-8 rods and reels for different techniques.  

I have $100 dollars at the moment and I planned on getting $50 more to buy a new rod and reel but right now I have ugly stick  6' medium rod. Should I just buy a whole new combo for $150 or is the ugly stick good enough with a $100 reel?

[Sammies77]

I would get a daiwa fuego on ebay for 75 bucks and pair it with a lightning rod. Spend the rest on line and baits. 

[bigturtle]

Having experienced rods and reels at pretty much every price category that the fishing industry has to offer, from $10 spiderman combos to $800 Megabass/Daiwa limited edition offerings, if I had $150 to buy a setup for a friend, I would spend $30 on a Daiwa Crossfire or Shimano Sienna reel, and the remainder $120 on a used or discounted Daiwa Tatula, Fenwick Elite Tech, or St Croix Mojo Bass/Bass X. The rod is so much more important in my opinion, and justifies spending the majority of your budget on it, especially at low price points.

[Bluebasser86]

I'd replace both. Something like a Lightning Rod Shock with a Pfluegar President would be good and under your price range.