I may be able to get a new rod/reel for Father's day if I can keep the cost under $300. I'm pretty much a surfcasting beginner and I've never fished the canal and hope to try some plugging with large pencil poppers or other large plugs. I'd also like the outfit to work for some jigging too.
Based on opinions and recommendations I've read here and elsewhere, I've been looking at the Lamiglas Surf King 10' medium heavy spinning rod and a Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000 or 5500 reel with 30lb Power Pro.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Stay away from the Lamiglas Surf King. Go with a Tsunami 10XH or a Tica Dolphin 10' both are great rods and they have Fuji eyes.
The Daiwa Emblem Pro is the most popular reel

Best bet is to go down to M&D's Mike will set you up right with what you need.

i second this ^

Thanks for the advice. I may try to get to M&D's tomorrow.

Thanks for the advice. I may try to get to M&D's tomorrow.

Good day for it--stop by in the afternoon when the SB leg is happening. They'll be about 500 years worth of Canal fishing experience on hand ;)