Gfen's advice is sound, and I would probably recommend the same. The fish don't care about the scratches and nicks! If you're going to buy now though...
In that price range you probably can't beat one of the more budget aimed BPS or Cabelas set ups...plus you get the reel, line, backing, and sometimes even a leader included. They're not top end rods by any stretch, but some have some suprisingly nice features for the price, and they all will catch fish. Redington also make a combo...the "Crosswater" I believe that is supposed to be pretty good for the price. More toward the top of your price range probably though.
Other than a couple budget St. Croix or Redington models you won't find much in that price range, so you might as well get the reel, etc too.
