I think $300 should get you a fairly decent setup, something you might not even want to upgrade later on
my very first 8wt setup was a A&N combo for like $200 but the reel sucked and it had no line
this is right from the TFO website of a couple combos they actually sell. I think A&N should also have these available.
http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/products/combo.htmlI have personally cast several TFO rods and they are very nice for their price range, these should be no different.
If your looking for a trout setup you want 2 things more then the rest.
you want a decent rod & a good line
for trout fishing the reel really only holds the line so a minimal drag if any is just fine. If you get into salmon fishing then a drag is more of an issue of course.
Im going to throw this out there for YOU only. If you want to dump the majority on a rod & line. I have a reel i can GIVE you that will balance a 5wt rod. should work on a 6wt just fine. I do not use it anymore so it needs to go somewhere.
I would give you the line on it also but its a 4wt line which will not cast properly on a heavier rod weight unfortunately and i dont have any spare 5wt lines hanging around.
If that works for you then i am going to suggest a few line companies so you can research what they offer.
Rio (i would lean towards the GOLD series line)I will be upgrading my lines to this probably by spring time
Scientific Anglers - their GPX line is a good starting line and perfect all purpose dry line(all my dry lines are SA lines.)
Cortland - I think they have a 444 & 555 series of lines. I havent bought anything from this company since my camo sinking line
Airflo - im pretty sure they carry trout lines but have never used one however i do LOVE their spey lines
there is still so many other great line makers
On the note of lines ---- IF you have not bought a line when i buy my new Rio GOLD 5wt line i can either sell or give you my SA line thats on there right now (probably give) it has been used for 4yrs i think
it still floats just fine and has great fish karma LOL however if i were you personally i would just grab a new line.
just let me know about the reel thing. I can meet up with you as i also live in Surrey and fish Timbers alot in the spring time