Best spinning rod/reel setup for channels?

[catfisherman3]

what spining reel/rod do you prefer for channels

[festus]

Okuma Avenger ABF Baitfeeder reel in size 50. Reel is less than $40 and comes with spare spool. I load one spool with 20 or 25 lb test mono, and 12 lb mono on the spare spool. The 12 lb spool I use in snag free waters or areas that require a longer cast. For the rod I use an 8' Ugly Stick Catfish rod, 2 piece, they're about $30. For a boat fisherman I recommend a 7' Ugly Stick Catfish rod.

Now I'm sure someone will come on here and claim the Avenger is a piece of junk. Mine is only about 1-1/2 years old and only time will tell. I don't get to fish as often as I'd like, I ain't caught no monsters on it yet (14 lb common carp, 11 lb flathead, stripers in the 10-12 range and an 18 lb grass carp). A friend got into some 20-30 lb flatheads a few nights ago with the same combo and handled them with ease but I think he was using 30 lb and 50 lb mono.

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The only person I met who had a complaint with an Avenger was an older fellow who couldn't keep bail springs in his. But he was using the little ultralight with 4 lb test for crappie, said it was several years ago and I'm sure they've improved. Since I mostly bank fish I'm not going to spend a lot of money on rods and reels, but these will take plenty of abuse.

[hhaos]

I tend to do fine with a cheap $20 catfish combo from walmart. Yes the expensive rods are nice but I seem to have a nack for closing rods in car doors or smashing them off rocks with the hookset.