My very first fly rod was a Shakespeare combo (5/6) I bought at Wally's for $ 19.99. I used the reel with no backing and had a level line. It included a set of flies (not very well tied either lol)
A couple of guys made fun of me when they saw me with this combo. lol. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore. I sure caught fish with it, I believe my very first one was a bluegill at Road Runner park in Arizona.