Very new to fishing, just purchased a boat. For the most part I like to fish for crappie and sunfish using a slip bobber with typically live bait attached. My main concerns for a rod/reel is ability to cast far (for when I shore fish) and accurate. I also wish to get into fishing for walleye with lindy rig / live bait type rigs. I am looking for a good rod and spinning reel that will be good for both scenarios.

I do not mind spending money, I was looking at "st Croix" rods and read about them but afraid I am spending more then I need to.
I have no idea what type of reel or line to purchase, when I enter a store I am completely confused with all the options.

Please help me guys! =)

I USE ST CROIX RODS 7.6 IN AND 7FT MEDIUM LITE IVE USED IT FOR FOR ALL KINDS ON FISH NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM I USE A SPINNING REEL. I KNOW THEY COST A LOT OF MONEY BUT TO ME THEY ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY.
PACKRAT

If ur using a baitcasting reel they say to use a rod that's about 7-7 1/2 feet to get better accuracy with less effort....I have a 6 1/2 foot medium action rod with an open spool reel that I use for pretty much everything.....I'd suggest buying a light action rod with a smaller reel to match for your pan fishing expeditions.....the light action in the rod allows to have a better fight with the fish where a medium action rod allows you to just pull the panfish in without getting a fight out of em....

I would look for a rod at least 6.5' for casting. Check out these fine rod companies. They all will have exactly what you are looking for.

Limit creek rods
Midwest Rod & reel
Jason Mitchell rods
Thorne Bros.

I have 1 setup that does everything you want, because I use it for exactly the same thing. G. Loomis PR 8400(7ft Walleye seris) teamed with a better 1500 or 2500 Shimano (mine is a Stradic 1500). Best all around panfish rod I have ever had and a great lighter lindy rod(kinda soft for big minnows) usually run 6# Trilene XL but can handle 8# too. Just a awesome bobber setup and super for casting weightless tubes and such. At least check out the rod if you get a chance before you purchase.
Good Luck, JJZ

I would get a Limit creek rod and put a Pflueger President 6730 on it as a starter setup. That will catch and land you almost any fish in the lake.

I've been giving this some thoughts and have been wondering about those 8'6" St Croix salmon rods. They'll work really well for long distance slipbobbering casting.