hey kingsrule how ya going, i recently was in the same boat as u with about the same budget. i picked up a brand new baitrunner 6500 for $189 thought that was pretty good. whilst looking for a rod i found alot of very expensive ones like the live fibres etc, they completely blew my budget so looked for a cheaper version, i found whats called a tica clear tip 7"6 and 15-30 pound im quite happy with it i spooled it up with 30pound braid havent hooked up to anything but with the drag pretty much locked up the outfit lifts 11kg from the ground. oh almost forgot the rod cost me $115 hope this helps and good luck only thing youll need is line but its pretty close to your budget and im happy with the combo Lee