I havent really been bug in fishing but lately i have been bit with the bug and cant stop thinkig about it. I have some outdated gear. A old pole that was my grandfathers. I dont think its anything too special. However its pretty short. Around 5 foot or so. Plus i have a bunch of old lures everything is probably close to 40 or 50 years old i would guess. We recently moved and have a small 1/2 - 3/4 acre pond with some small mouth and bluegill in it. We also have two huge reservoirs that are both around 15 minutes away. They have crappie, perch, bass, and walleye. I would like to get a new rod and reel, preferably one that i can use fer all of those fish. Not sure where to start looking. I have read as much as i can about the different reels and rods. I dont have a boat yet so all my fishing will be from the shore. What type rod would be best suited? A light rod or medium light or medium? Also how do you determine what type of line to use? I have some 8# or 10# line right now. Thanks.

A medium rod and 10 lb line will cover 90% of your fishing.

Two outfits.
Ultralight for panfish and medium bait caster for bass.
Four pound test for bream and 14-17 for the bait caster.
Small beetle spin for the panfish. I like the 1/32 for bluegills and 1/16 for crappie. Medium will not cast that size worth a flip.
Plastic worms for bass the majority of the time. As you get proficient, you can experiment.
I spent my first two decades fishing without a boat. Wade fishing can catch a bunch of fish.

I'd say get yourself a nice reel, ~$100 Shimano small/medium size spinning reel with a good drag, and pick out a medium light action rod to balance it out, ~7.5', check Cabelas maybe.

Pick up some 6# line, and a couple Rapala countdowns that look like rainbow trout (floater and sinker) along with some "mister twister" jigs.

Have fun.

Yea. Just find a good spinner combo.

Thanks guys. I will check out cabelas and pick a few things up. Hows the shakespear ugly stik? I have read its a decent rod? Or is there better rod to look for?

Just a good cane pole!

You will never go wrong with the Shakespear ugly stick.

If you are not sure whether you want to float fish or use legering tactics, several rods offer interchangeable top sections to allow you to switch. Sometimes these are sold as “all round” or “twin tip” rods.  This way you can float fish, or try casting a bomb or method feeder should the need arise.

Another good option for the beginner is a fishing pole. With no reel to tangle, these are easy to use, trouble free and very effective. You won’t be able to cast far, but with a simple model and a few rigs, you’re in business on the local day ticket pool or canal.

While lure fishing can be quite a specialised branch of fishing, it is easy to get started. A spinning rod of 9-10 feet is also a tool that will cover several bases. You could use such a rod not only for lures, but also float fishing or even a spot of close range legering at a push.

10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. Good equipment and patience. I would get a good ultralight, 6# line, and some small jigs and beetle spins. No larger than 1/16 oz. and preferably 1/32. Concentrate on panfish, then you can move up to larger fish.