So I want to get a conventional rod and reel but I don't exactly got the best budget for it. So Id like to get at least 25-40 test line tho. I'd like to catch some big fish.

I'm not sure exactly what price range you are looking for, but you can go to a store website and search by price. Cabelas or Gander Mountain would be good places to go to at least get an idea. Gander Mountain has a Penn combo that sounds about like what you are looking for. 6'6, heavy action, can take from 20-50 pound test for $90. Just keep in mind that the performance will not be like that of an expensive setup, and you may find yourself looking for another one very soon if something happens to it or if you don't like it. I would recommend buying the rod and reel separate and going at least a step up from the cheapest thing you can find. Most cheap combos are junk. Read the reviews on the products as well. That can give you a good idea of what you are buying. Good luck.

Hey Madenotw..if you have a Sports Authority or Dicks near you..you can get an Ugly Stik combo for about 89 dollars..Its usually the Ugly Stik 6'6 big water rod with a shakespear conventional reel..I have a few of those combos..and there are great for almost any type of saltwater fishing ..from Stripers to Blues..and anything else..and it's light in the hands...For about 60-70 dollars more you can get the Ugly Stik Penn combo...

I have a Shakespeare line counter reel I picked up at W-M for about $40. I have it paired with a Cabelas rod from the Depthmaster series ($35-$45) and I have had no problems at all with this setup. No, it is not top end, but works fine for the used I put it to.I would avoid the lower end Cabelas Depthmaster reels though, a number of my friends have had some very bad experiences with them.

My heavy rig (I use it for flathead catfish) is a Bass Pro Shops Offshore Angler Power Plus Trophy Class heavy boat rod (about $45) teamed up with a Penn Peer 209 levelwind reel (about $65) and spooled with Bass Pro Shops Offshore Angler braided Dacron line in 80 pound test. This is an extremely rugged and strong setup for a very reasonable price.

Your best bet is going to be to purchase a combo through Cabelas,Gander mountain, bass pro they give you the best deal for the money and have a decent return policy. as long as you have the recite.

With out further knowledge of what species and how you are going to fish for them(live bait, artificial and what artificial lures) it is hard to give you the best answer. But a good general purpose rod would be a 6/12 - 7 ft medium action bait casting combo with a fast tip . spooled with a braid .