I voted for el-cheapo mainly for the reason of my choice of braid today .
I went the Berkely Fireline, I dunno its the cheapest but funnily enough I have caught more fish on it and bigger fish on it than any other braid, strange but true.
As for Rod I have a loomisand an Egrell, but I am noticing some very nice rods in stores lately under $150.00
But as for larger fish in open water, I think el cheapo might not get you there.
so my vote was not exactly right,but I definitely don't even rate surecatch as fishing gear, instead of elcheapo I would say its elcrappo.
cheers