I have the Shimano Stradic 4000 and it is beyond awesome. I think it runs around $100 but the next two models down are good also (I think they range from around $60 - $80).

If you are going to be using a spinning reel in the surf the customer service reputation of the company should be very high on your requirements list. No matter how good the reel is it will get messed up in the surf. Shimano's customer service is top-notch - far superior to any other reel company I have dealt with and/or heard about.