I got a Islander Steelheader as my first pin about a month or so ago, I cant say enough god things about it. The spin is amazing and depeding on how much you want to spend it can be had for under 200$ used.
It is pretty much the standard for the great lakes. Their customer service is amazing, as the other day i cracked a rose wood reel thing, and they shipped me two new ones free of charge even though its not under warranty.
Now if you have too much money laying around you can go higher such as the Angling Specialties Pins and the Islander Pacific Steelheader, but IMO its not necssary, more for showing off on the river .
Although dont expect to catch more fish with the Pin, nor land more fish (for the beginning) as it takes some getting used too.
Also casting is a pain untill youve got it right
All in all once you get used to it, you will never go back