any suggestions on a decent inshore spinning setup? something i can throw a popping cork rig on as well as artificials. kinda in the $175-200ish price range.

Have you looked on Amazon. Search saltwater spinning reals there are some name brands for under 100.00 as for the rod I buy it locally I like a 7’ medium action.

Penn Battle III is around $150.

Penn Battle 3 or any of the penn spinning combos.
Rig with a Teflon backing if using braid. Braid does not stretch and the teflon backing acts as a shock absorber.

When it comes to spinning rods, the Stellar Lite series of Star Rods is the best $100 dollar rod I own. I normally spend a lot more for rods but had one (Stellar Lite) I bought when I first started saltwater fishing in Florida 30+ years ago and bought my second Star Rod last year. Couldn't believe the price hadn't skyrocketed in all these years. Its a great looking rod, lightweight and holds up to the salt. Matched it with a 3000 series shimano stradic. Bought it for snook, medium sized tarpon, and redfish. The 7' medium action, 8 to 16 lb line test rating. Bass Pro carries them as well so you could check them out in person. Would rather have a rod that is suited for the size fish I normally catch than oversized (heavier line rating) for what I hope to catch. I prefer to be under gunned when fishing. As far as reels in the price range you're looking for, I'm a
shimano guy after trying out a lot of the others.. Don't get me wrong... a lot of good stuff made by others too... Daiwa, Penn, Quantum Check them all out.. sometimes its just the looks (color) and feel of how smooth the drag is, or how smooth the retrieve.

https://www.starfishingtackle.com/stellar-lite-spinning-casting

7 1/2’ Waterloo ML with a nice 2500 reel.

Daiwa BG spinning reels are high quality at a decent price. Can find them on Amazon.

Shimano Nasci 2500 with Berkeley Medium 7' spinning rod. $150