I've got a Penn Ultragraph II combo that has performed pretty well considering it was only $130. 12ft 6-10kg composite rod with a 8000 size reel that holds 300m of 30lb mono. I've hauled in some big fish on it inclucing rays up about 80kg & it has handled them comfortably but it is also sensitive enough that you can steel feel tailor & skippy bites. The reel drag is smooth & overall it's a great combo for the price. It's can get a bit heavy after a couple of hours baitcasting would be the only negative I've got on it but seeing as I spend most of my time with the rod in the holder & a bait set that's no issue for me. I bought mine a fair while ago but I think BCF is selling them these days for about $90.

Buy a second hand stradic...  For a cheap reel I rate them up there... Maybe like a Stradic 6000fi or similar

Usually come with a spare spool also!!!

 Mate in my opinion one of the best beach reels you can get is a Penn Spinfisher 850ssm.  You can pick one up brand new for around 100 bucks if you look around.  You can fit a huge amount of line on them too, i run Berkley braid on all my Spinfisher reels and no problems what so ever.  With the 850 i would recommend 30-40lb if your running braid and 25-30lb if your running mono.

If you match that with a good rod there isn't much that you won't stop from the beach.  I use a 14ft Gladitor Blue Surf with one of my 850's but that rod is 200 bucks.  If you were looking for something a bit cheaper then there are some great Shimano or Ugly Stik beach rods that would do the job.

ive got a new penn 850ss and 12"rod for sale in the for sale section for 100 bux.pm if interested