Need recommendations for new rod/reel & gear

[Tightlines74]

Hello, I am looking to get my 13 year old son a new fishing rod and reel, he wants to catch larger and different species of fish, he has caught LMB, SMB and trout. We live in CNJ and going to be fishing the Raritan, thinking larger then our bass setup but smaller then surf. If possible I'd like versatility to be able to swap reel to surf rods but not a must. I prefer Penn and Shimano but I am open to suggestions on rod and reel and would rather spend some money for a good set up that will last but don't want to break the bank either.

Also looking for advice on lures that we could use for rod & reel above

Thank you in advance!!
:)

[dfish28]

You can't go wrong with a custom from Garone,Jersey Coast,or Bogan. Once you get your first custom it's hard to impossible to go back.