Moved to Florida recently. Would like to know of a decent but cheap rod/reel to use to to cast into the ocean from the beach... beer in hand. Nothing special, just to basically do something while I enjoy a cold one on the beach. Like John Snow, I know nothing [about fishing].

So, any suggestions for a total package of less than $100?

If you are starting out to test the sport, an Ugly Stik bigwater (10ft) will work good. Either the combo or pair it with a Quantum Optix 60 with braid or mono. Add an assortment of hooks/weights and you'll be set.

check craigslist. You're sure to find someone selling surf rods. I wouldn't get anything under 9 feet, and medium heavy rod. You want it to be able to hold that weight.

You can get away with going cheap, but don't go too cheap... primarily on the reel. I've wasted more money on cheap saltwater reels that lock up after their third use, and I cleaned them religiously. I've had fantastic luck with PENN Fierce reels. They are very reasonably priced and I have not had one out of the 7 that I own fail yet.

Go for an FRC6000

http://www.basspro.com/Penn-Fierce-Saltwater-Spinning-Reels/product/10209996/

I have really liked Bass Pro's house brand "Offshore Angler" rods (not so much their reels). I also own many of these, haven't failed me yet. Pair up that PENN Firece 6000 with a 10 footer and you've got a great versatile surf combo for about $105 before tax.

http://www.basspro.com/Offshore-Angler-Power-Plus-Spinning-Rod/product/30663/