The OP suggested a spinning reel (BTL2 5000), although it is not clear what he is targeting.
He may not know how to use a conventional reel, and based on size, may not be targeting 9' tiger sharks.
The Battle 5000 and the 7' UglyStik GX2 Med or MH (I would go a little longer for pier and surfcasting ~9, though may be too much for wading) may be all he needs for small to medium sized fish, being it reds, tarpon, kings, stripers, snook, etc.
It will be heavy for sure, but a setup more for bait and wait than lure casting. If fishing blue water then a different reel is a must, or a lighter one for wade and lure casting.
$300 could get him very decent setups, 3000 size reel for wade/lure with freshwater rod already owned and 6-7000 reel for pier/surf/jetty with heavier more powerful rod.
I have a 7' Shimano Voltaeus Med Fast (70$) that I use for lure sand light baits and a 9' MH UglyStik ~$80. Old
Shimano 3000 reel and Battle 6000 on the heavy rod.
