I did a search on this site and the web for info / advice on tackle for surf fishing in so cal, specifically the Santa Barbara area. I found lots of great infor but the results were somewhat inconclusive. I am looking for tackle that is quality but not so expensive I need to take a loan. In other words I can't afford G-Loomis rods and Stradic reels. While I would love to spend the money it simply isn't prudent at this point in time x( . I want to spend somewhere along around $60 or so for a rod and probably $60-80 for the reel. I plan to target inshore species (obviously) anything from perch (hopefully on the large side) Corbina, Halibut and who knows what else may grace my line. It has come down to something along these lines (no pun intended):

1) Rod: I have pretty much made up my mind to get a 8’-0” (or maybe even the 10’er) B&M Crappie Pro. I still welcome advice and suggestions...
2) A quality spinning reel... my problem is this... there are soooo many reels out there... If anyone has tried and true advice on which has worked well and lasted for a period of time in this price range I appreciate it! I have a sense, and have read that Shimano reels have great track record.... true? But which models other then the Stradic?
Thanks!