Hi. If you can, try to get over to the Bass Pro Shop at Gurnee Mills
March 20-28 lots of fishing gear sales going on. Im a going.

Here is one combo that is just a hair over your price range but comes
highly recommended (reel that is) Shimano Curado combo $140
http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet....SearchResults

If you must get a combo only dont read further.

I was at Dicks here in Rockford monday there is a very nice Pinnacle
Matrix reel on sale for $69 was $99 its sweet, silky smooth, chrome
finish. I own the Pinnacle model just below it Deadbolt Classic
(different finish less bearings) and like it very much can cast light
stuff with ease and that Matrix is smoother than mine.. You still would
need a rod though and the pickings at Dicks is slim. The only good rods
being the St. Croix in the $90 range. At Bass Pro Shop you can get the
the rod from the above combo- BPS EXTREME for $60 during the sale -reg.
a $99 rod.

Now given the choice between a free curado reel and free matrix reel I
actually would pick the matrix.

BTW If you read this far. I heard of good fishing at Lake Summerset.
Have you started yet this year? I go to Bauman lake in Cherry Valley
quite a bit its only 2 miles from me. Went twice so far no luck. Trying
out my new Ambassadeur C4 baitcaster. I like it so far.
Ray.