Coming back to the pier in late June!

Last year I had a blast fishing on the pier! I had no idea what I was doing. I just showed up and watched for about an hour before I even made my first cast. Everyone was really helpful and I was able to catch a big (for me) red. Heres the photo taken from my crappy camera phone.
[img width=294 height=400]http://i48.tinypic.com/346ou3a.jpg[/img]

This year I want to catch a KING! However, I'm afraid that I don't have the rod and reel for the job. Last year I just used my Penn 104 reel and a two piece 7 foot rod, I think the rod brand is Master.

Do you regulars have any suggestions about what rod/reel I should buy that could handle Kings? I plan on using what I fished with last year as my bait rod. I don't want to break the bank, but I also want to buy something of quality. I guess I'm willing to spend $100. Will that be enough $ to buy me a decent King rod?

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First of all, welcome to the forum! :headbang:
Your best bet is to go to J & M Tackle when you arrive, they have expanded and have a ton of good combos to fit any budget. I still use a combo I bought there 5 years ago.
Just tell them how much you want to spend and what you plan on fishing for at the pier; they will get you set up with what you need.
Stay away from the Wal-Mart combos, the reels are usually plastic. :o
Hope this helps.
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Right under your stated budget @ $95 is the Penn Fierce 6000 combo from J&M. It was discussed earlier here http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...9438/#msg94389, I have since handled the combo and would say if I only had a c-note to spend and had to fish for a king this would be my weapon of choice.

Thanks for the responses. I'll probably go with that penn fierce reel combo if they are still available when I get down there.