Scotch - Are you looking to spend $300 for the reel? Or for the entire outfit?
For reels (Oh, I only use levewinds so that's all I'll discuss
), I personally think the Shimano Calcutta 400 is an awesome reel and runs $200 smackers - sometimes they'll discount but it never gets advertised - Shimano's rules. Second choice for me has been uprgaded ABU 6500 sized reels anything from a $75 C3 with mods (big handle $15, Extreme Smoothies $8), a 6500TCST (MikeT - I'm getting one from you so save me one!) which is a slow ratioed 6500 C4 with a big handle for $90 or so, up to modded Mag Elites, Big Games and other 6500 class reels. My 6500 MagE has Penn drags in it and ceramic bearings - sweetest casting reel I've ever backlashed!
There are other reels too like the Penn 955/965/975 that I would love to own but I have enough so I can't justify it.
For a rod, you have choices ranging from the best bang for the buck 9' Batson 1088 to some high ends rods from Loomis, Lami, AllStar...
Personally I use the 1088 for my goto rod but I also use a XRA1205 Lami plus I'm building a 1088 AllStar/Breakaway...
Rods will need some more thinking and for price, check out some of S-B's builders:
Saltheart
CapeCodTackle
Capesams....