I am looking for a couple surf rods and reels. I was looking at the Cabelas Salt Striker combo, but $159 each is a little steep.

My requirements:
Surf rod 10 ft +
Spinning reels with 2ndary light drag switch

Preferably not TOO expensive. Would like to keep them under $100 before line. I want to spool them up with some pretty heavy braid, probably 100lb.

Thanks for any help!

I put together a couple of nice surf rigs using Penn Prevail 10ft rod, and older Penn 700 and a 704Z. I got the rods at Academy. And, the reels off evilbay. The reels were almost mint, and were less than 75 each. The rods were 79 a piece. So, the total was a bit more than you have listed as your budget. But, the reels are great, tough, and will last a lifetime. I don't trust the budget combo reels they sell in most stores, especially under tough surf fishing conditions.

So my pricepoint is a little too conservative, you would say?

Would you consider the cabela's rod / reel combos to be "budget"?

WHAT ARE YOU WANTING TO FISH FOR IN THE SURF??

Your price point is a little conservative. As for the Cabela's Salt Strikers, I don't have any experience with them. I don't typically buy from Cabela's. But, I've not heard anything bad about them.

I have owned a few different combo's from Wallyworld and Academy though. They didn't last long in the salt. Most were trash after just a few trips. I'm not excessively hard on my gear. I maintain my gear pretty good. I rinse the rods and reels off after every trip, and dry them off. Then I lube the reels.

Now days I use mostly Penn reels and Abu Garcia Sweden made reels. I have others, but those are the ones I prefer. I really like the older USA made Penn reels, and I really like the Swedish made Abu's. Both types are easy to maintain, easy to work on and upgrade, and easy to customize. They are very strong and durable, and will last a lifetime with just minimal maintenance.

Sharks, bull reds, normal surf stuff along the coast.

Okay. finally bit the bullet and got a rod setup. It's a Daiwa Sealine 11' with a shimano baitrunner 8000, spooled up with 50 lb braid. Ran me $250 out the door.