[Ninja]

On a budget...I'd recommend a medium Berkley Lightning rod and a Pflueger President reel for around a hundred bucks.

Dido what Hobie said. I have several Berkley Amps and have landed plenty of large fish on those $40 rods. They have great action for working light lures as well.

Can't go wrong with Pflueger reels either.

 

[Ninja]

I'm jumping in a little late here, but since your budget increased take a look at Castaway Rods. I picked one up a few months ago and love the sensitivity it has. I've landed several large fish with ease and even used it fishing for small stuff around town when I was bored and didn't have the time to go too far. I also picked up a brand new one shopping with the wife at an indoor fleemarket for $27.99 (store price is over $100).

 

[Ninja]

Here's the one I bought first: http://www.castawayrods.com/products/saltwater-wader-special.

Here's the one I picked up for $27.99 at the fleemarket: http://www.castawayrods.com/pages/go2

 

[Ninja]

Line: I liked P-Line Floroclear in my mono days. Moderately priced and pretty castable

.

Used to be a good quality line. I purchased some last fall and was severely disappointed. I like Seagar so far. I bit more pricey, but the quality seems to be worth it. I too use quite a bit of braid when I'm not dinking around with Trout.