[quote=TimL]Just last week, I was looking to buy the same....the best spinning reel and rod combo I could find for $200 or less aimed at trout, reds and flounder. After a lot of research, then shopping at several stores and handling the merchandise, I chose the following:

Pflueger President spinning reel $60
H20 Express Ethos 6'8" spinning rod $60

I thought real hard about the Sedona and the Symetre by Shimano, but went with the President because it has 10 bearings, is silky smooth and has a good drag. It has a great many strong reviews around the internet as well. It is a great reel for the money, and will do well in salt water with proper care.

l made the same deciision once on the Pflueger President instead of the Shimano...BIG MiSTAKE...the Pflueger's bearings went bad after only a couple weekends of salt use,,,even though I followed the after use protocols...then I went an bought the Shimano (pre ARB) and never had any problems....the Pfluegers are fine for fresh water...even though they won't last as long as the shimanos.

Basically, Shimanos have such a good reputation because they produce their own gears in house and are the only reel manufacturer to do so (as menory serves). In fact, they are a gear manufacturer the decided to tnter the reel market, and they cut their gears to closer tolerances...so do yourself a favor and get a Shimano reel...the Sedona or Symetre are in your price range...I use Bonehead rods (100), but that Guy in Victoria sounds like a good option....i may even seek him out myself.

Any way, hope this information helps, good luck and good fishing.

I would highly recommend looking into the Spinfisher V 6500LL for surf / heavy salt.

My Symetre makes me very happy on a Teramar rod!! I love my Pfleuger Presidents, but even with washing them a ton they just dont hold up to the salt like the shimano does. The teramar rod is awesome...$120 for rod and $100 for the reel. Put 15# power pro on and you will have a versatile, long lasting combo.