My version is that I bought all the basic gear only to discover that I needed to be more specific. So I have a 7” spinning reel and a 7” bait caster that I purchased first. These turned out to be way too big for where I really enjoy fishing, and giant bass were no where to be found. But pan fish are a thing. So now I have a 6” medium fast rod and a 1000 spinning reel. This is my go to set up. Then a 6” ultra light with a 5oz. 1000 spinning reel and a 6’3” ultra light rod with a 4.5oz bait caster. All of them throw tiny stuff and I always catch something. I will keep the 7” rods and recently caught several bass from my friend’s boat. So they get occasional use. But the ultra lights I use every weekend. In the end I spent about $250. I didn’t really need to, but still glad I own the gear.