for a beginner, stay away from braid (in my opinion) go to a tackle store and look at maybe a TLD 25 and a suitable rod, you will get the outfit for well under your budget, they are a good solid and quite cheap reel, after a while you may want to upgrade to a larger or different type, but a TLD will catch you plenty of fish, buy some reasonable quality mono line and that will get you well on your way.