Newbie reel/rod recommendations

Skifffisher

Hey guys, been fishing in Eastern Central Florida saltwater on and off for years.  I finally got a boat and now I want to get better with salt fishing and learn freshwater.  The only freshwater fishing I've done is for channel catfish.  I would appreciate any recommendations for decent rod/reel combos to start out with for bass and crappies.  Also what lb test would be recommended.  I've been reading and watching on how to rig for bass and I'm gonna try the Texas style first as it looks the simplest.  Thank you very much.  

Alex from GA

Here's what I use and I even caught a bass once.  If I'm not fishing for big fish I'll use a medium 6 or 6 1/2' spinning rod with a 2000 size reel full of 6 lb green mono.  I use a 1/16th oz bullet weight and a 1/0 worm hook with a zoom finesse worm.  I usually build my own rods from Rainshadow or Mudhole blanks.  Your Texas rig rod should be the best (most sensitive} rod you have.  For crappies I use a light or medium light rod with 4 green line in the same lengths.  Most of the bass fishermen I know use longer rods but I can handle the shorter ones better.  For large bass you'll have to use a baitcaster with 10 to 15 lb line for the larger worms, jigs and spinnerbaits.  I can't tell you what brands of rods to use because I have a bunch but I use mostly older Shimano reels.    

capt louie

What size etc. are the lighter rods you currently use ?  May be fine for bass ?

sharky12

Agreed on the above. Crappie 6 or 4lb line with light rod is fine. Bass, usually 10lb on a spinning rod size 2500 and defintiely a baitcaster that'll hold 50lb braid. Important when throwing like SPRO Frogs, swimbaits, or buzzing worms over thick grass. I've become a big fan of Okuma lately. The Helix spinning reel is really nice. Drags have lasted me a long time and for the money, I think a great reel.