Rookie,
It sounds like you are primarily looking to plunk. You can go to sports authority in Lynnwood and pick up a 9' downrigger rod for probably less than $40. These will handle 20# line and all the weight you will need in the river. Unfortunately this will also require you to buy a level wind reel of some sort. You can buy a spinning rod instead that will do the same thing for maybe less money. Not sure if you can get a rod that will handle 5oz leads and throw little spoons as well. Two different techniques. Look at a lot of stuff and get other sugesstions then make a choice. Good luck.