Typical Wal-Mart.
You can always call and inquire about a restock(ask for the fishing/sports dept) etc...not sure how they handle customer service now a days...
Or if you're driving by an out of town WM check them.
Might be worth the wait as there isn't much action to be had as far as bass go for at least another 4-6 weeks.
Keep your eye on any WM or Can. Tire flyers, they may have deals certain months.
There are other cheaper rods & combos but the one I mentioned has the best value IMO, all metal parts make up the reel.
Many have mostly plastic parts(chromed to look like metal) that make up the reel, try to avoid those as they are easily damaged if you drop your rod.
I have a Zebco Z-cast rod, reel & line combo(WM @ $15.97) that I have landed many fish on, even a few 8+lb carp, casts great with upgraded line but has the cheapy plastic chromed reel parts...but that doesn't seem to keep the fish from biting !
Sky is the limit as to how much you want to spend on a rod, reel & line....all the way from $10.00-$1000.00+
Yes, pretty much any lure/bait that is not
in motion(sitting on the bottom/floating on the surface etc) has a greater chance of becoming a throat hook situation.
Trolling from a boat or retrieving lures casting from shore has very little chance of getting a fish throat hooked.
No retention(keeping/killing) April 15 - June 15
If you like eating fish then you will like bass, grilled is best, little bit of crushed garlic & sesame seed oil...num !
Oh yeah ! heh heh !