my buddy just got a Huddleston ROF 5 swim bait what would be a nice quality set up for him not to expensive tho..thanks for any input!

What's not too expensive, just for reference?

 

Speaking from experience, you will save money in the long run by buying QUALITY equipment from the get go. IMO, you dont have to spend a ton to get quality but money will certainly buy you more comfort.

 

That being said, he would be well served with a 300 Shimano Cardiff (301 if left-handed) and the Okuma Swimbait rods. Whole combo will set him back around 160 if he looks hard for sales or lightly used equipment.

 

It only gets more expensive from there, but that is where a lot of guys start for rod/reel combos.