I highly recommend the Shimano Sahara. Its only like $55-60, casts great, and has almost every single feature that the more expensive models have. I've used it in the surf for the last 18 months and have had no problems whatsoever. I use the 2000 model, but if I had to do it again, I'd get the next size up to reduce the line twist.

** tight lines make all my troubles go away **