I agree with Lee on the ugly stik for a beginner, but if you are going to fish often you will be happier if you get a reel in the $50 range, as I posted on another thread of a similar topic, shimano makes some nice ones in that price range. These reels have great drags and that is especially important when fighting fish. another thing to do is buy good line, from what fish you listed you were going to fish for, wal mart sells name brand monofilament in the $8 range in8lb test.

By the way I think that spinning outfits are best for beginners. Easy to cast and they are reliable.

In the long run it pays to have higher quality equipment.(I am not saying to spend hundreds, but you can pick and choose and come out on top!)