Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been here! I need a new saltwater rod & reel set-up to run off of 91st peer, seawolf park, 61st peer, Texas City Dike, and Silvan Beach Peer. I want a medium/heavy rod between 9' and 10' tall and I need a reel to fit that rod. The rod will mainly be set-up for Bull Reds and similar sized fish. What I have come across is a Abu Garcia C3 7000, Diawa Saltist Levelwind STTLW40HA, and a Shimano Tekota 600 TEK600. I'm open to other brands but want to keep it under $200.00 and I will need the levelwind option. Thanks!

Abu gets my vote, on the rod can't help you there, pier fishing just isn't my bag these days, good luck.

Welcome back.
I might suggest you try the Shakespeare Ugly Stick at Academy's, Bass Pro and visit Fishing Tackle Limited to pick up a refurbished level wind Penn 209 or 309 for pier fishing. That should save you a buck or two and provide what you're looking for.
I have many of the old Penn's 9,10, 109,209 and 309s and they are still cranking them in. Just need's routine TLC.
Let us know what you bring in.

I have owned an Abu 6500C for many years and have used it off piers, jetties and in the surf. I have it paired with a 10' Tsunami rod. It casts great, and has been so durable. It is an older, Swedish made reel. However, the new ones are made elsewhere, but I would still be comfortable choosing it over the more expensive Shimano. Pair it up with the Ugly Stik, a fine value rod, and you should be set. I have a 12' Ugly Stik surf rod that I love, though it is a bit heavy. I used Penn 9, 209 and 309 reels psalty mentioned for many years as well, and they served me well, but I prefer the Abu for sure. I also own a Daiwa Sealine, but it is non-levelwind. Great reel as well though and out casts about any other reel I have ever used.

Had one of the old Sealine's back when we used to snapper fish, a fine reel indeed!

My heavy setup for jetties/piers: 10' Pro Angler and a Penn Squall 15 (~$130 total)

I like the Swedish made Abu's. I use several different 6500's, a couple of 7000's, and for the big nasties I have a 10000CL. You can't beat a Swedish made Abu.

Take a look at 13 Fishing's new Reel Concept C 8.1-1 ratio 22 lb drag it'll haul in the big ones , the Old School Ambassador Reels are good but this reel is Great you can put 50 # Fins Braid on it and and pull in a Volkswagen . Love Mine ( well my Grandsons I Stole it)