By open faced I assume you mean spinning real. You can spend a lot of money on a good reel. The best spinning reel IMO is the shimano stradic ci4.

For a lower price point id recommend the penn battle or fierce.

I love st. Croix rods. They will run north of $100. For cheaper rod Berkely has made the lightning series rods. Get a medium ir medium light with fast action and you'll be happy.

I'm a bass man so I would recommend learning to throw a baitcaster. Grab a shimano reel with a Abu Garcia veritas rod and you'll be off to a good start.

I recommend #10 braid(suffix 832 or power pro) with a flouro carbon leader for line.