I assume you are talking about open water fishing and not ice fishing? ..... I assume you are targeting trout, walleye etc....? I assume spinning rod not fly rod?
The more info you give the better the advice you will get.
Depending on your budget, which would determine your brand choice ..... I'm going to assume you are looking for a quality set up .... maybe $200 to 250?
Probably a meduim light power rod with a fast action tip and a quality spinning reel.
Here's a few suggestions ....
http://stcroixrods.com/products/fres...emier-spinning
http://www.abugarcia.com/Spinning-Re...efault,pg.html
Have a look at this set up ....... the same one I run for trout lakes, streams and walleye fishing.