PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 Couple of good combos
Have a look at the ATC hard sticks, Rich uses them and he hasnt had any complaints. Also look at the Shimano Raider rod also the Strudwick sic stick pro's.
As for reels the tierra by Daiwa or 1 of the lower end reels by shimano.
Shop around a bit and ask stores if they prce match
Try an Okuma efs20, about $80 on ebay from Malasia. Have had one for about 2 years and it has had none of the usual Okuma problems. Great little reel with a smooth drag and good ratio.
For the rod try a Shimano Rack Raider. Over $100 new but quite a few advertised 2nd hand - some on this site.
try the tacklewarehouse, its an american site but with the aussie dollar now at 90 us cents its worth a look, they have daiwa excelor reels about $70 and good prices on stradics
Estuary:
Rod - 6'6 or 6'10 Berkley Dropshot (Both 2-4kg)
Reel - Most 1000/1500 reels nowadays will be fine. For Shimano anything between the Sienna & Symetre would be perfect
Line - Platypus Super Braid 2lb -> 6lb or Fireline 4lb -> 6lb
Reef:
Rod - Pflueger Trion 2-5kg 7'0 or 6'6 2-4kg Berkley Dropshot
Reel - A 2500 reel will hold more line, but you can get away with a 1000/1500. Again in Shimano Sienna -> Symetre
Line - Platypus Super Braid or Fireline (6lb -> 12lb)
Depending on how much sport you like in your "reef plastics", you can actually use the same setup for both of those situations... A cheap multi purpose setup would be:-
6'6 Berkley Dropshot (About $80)
2500 Shimano Sienna (BCF have on sale for $59 at the moment )
6lb Fireline (About $30)
That all comes in under $200. Which means you could up the reel to a Symetre and still come into your budget. Or use the extra money to get Flourocarbon leader, jig heads & plastics