I would stay away from the kind of reel that feeds off a spool that you need thumb control to use. Go with an open face spin cast reel with a heavy wire bail. The line and pole depend on where you are and what you are fishing for. Always go a little bigger than you think you will need if fishing in the ocean. For fresh water, lighter equipment is generally good. Fly fishing is a whole other deal and can take years to perfect. Save that for a few years down the road.
The fish don't know how experienced you are, so go with mid range priced stuff. Avoid cheap, you will waste your money having to upgrade.
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