For a look at a wide range of possibilities, go to Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) fishing section and look at the Rod/Reel combos. There are 4 or 5 of them there for surf fishing ranging from very cheap spinning gear to quite expensive specialty reels (Alvey.. funny looking things but they probably cast a mile).
As far as price and quality, let your passion be your guide. If fishing is your life, you will get more pleasure out of high quality, relatively specialized tackle. If fishing is hardly more than a fine excuse to spend time at the beach (I've been in both shoes at times in my life)and your money could be better spent on other passions, the moderately priced stuff will suffice. Skip the really cheap stuff, it can ruin even the most laid back day of fishing.

Dave
'1/3 fewer fish than your regular fisherman.'