Well I'm heading to the coast this october for a weekend fishing trip and was wondering what a decent ($40 - $60) Pier/salt water rod would be to buy? and it needs to be a spinning reel that can handle atleast 30lb braid. Thanks!!

What species are we talkin?

Most surf tackle will suit your needs just fine but it really depends on the target species/technique or rigging you plan on doing....

lol to be honest I'm not too sure...I know we are going to fish for blues on the surf but I already have a rod for that so I just need something that would be suited to use on a pier for live bait like bloodworms and squid.

I have a Daiwa Sealine X SurfRod  that is 11'3" / 2 pc. that is a great all around rod.  I purchased it about 3 years ago and think you can still find a few out there for sale for $40.00 - $60.00 online.  

I would not trade mine for the world.

A huge surf rod isn't needed for piers, any cheap rod and reel combo that's made to handle 2oz weights will work fine. Long time ago when I first started fishing I bought a Berkely Fusion Rod/Reel Combo ($20 at Wal-Mart) and use it till this day, it's only made to throw 1 1/4 oz. weights but I've used weights up to 4 oz. with success, and have caught LOTS of fish species.

But I would recommend a BPS Trophy Class Rod, cheap, but useful.

And forget bloodworms and squid, shrimp is the way to go.

Tight Lines.

Ugly stick

just any rod that can handle a litter heavier lure size would be fine.  and i agree, go with shrimp, they are easier and work well