A nice rod for the price is an Ugly stick Tiger rod that you will find at most decent sporting goods stores. I like the 20-50lb rated rod BWC2201. It offers a sensitive tip and plenty of backbone to get the job done. I personally prefer 50lb braid for mainline and 90lb dacron with a 6/0 barbless Gami for most estuary baits and conditions. I have a Penn 320GTI on that rod and though that reel isn't my favorite, it seems to handle the task nicely.
Beeeeeeeee