I have a buddy who purchased the Pelican Catch 100 this year and it's really nice for the money. I've seen it on sale as low as $550. Check out more about fishing rods here on this site. 
Only advise to give is spend the money up front and get a nice one, even if it's over your budget a bit. I cheaped out on the first kayak I bought and I was ready to replace it by the end of my first year, I VERY quickly realized why the nicer ones cost a bit more.

I have a buddy who purchased the Pelican Catch 100 this year and it's really nice for the money. I've seen it on sale as low as $550. Only advise to give is spend the money up front and get a nice one, even if it's over your budget  a bit. I cheaped out on the first kayak I bought and I was ready to replace it by the end of my first year, I VERY quickly realized why the nicer ones cost a bit more