Decent, cheap spinning reel recommendations?

[fishin-fool]

Hey all,

I have two Ugly Stik's that I started out with a few years ago that have no reels at the moment. When I started taking fishing more seriously I initially spent more on my reels than my rods, and subsequently moved those reels to better rods. But I'd like to put a decent spinning reel on each of these rods just to have them ready for a friend to use, etc. One Ugly Stik is a 5' 6" Light and the other is a 6' Medium. I've gotten good advice here in the past on what equipment to buy and thought you guys might be able to help me pick out two reels in the less-than-$50/each price range that are decent. Thanks in advance!

-Matt

[nitro929]

Hey all,

I have two Ugly Stik's that I started out with a few years ago that have no reels at the moment. When I started taking fishing more seriously I initially spent more on my reels than my rods, and subsequently moved those reels to better rods. But I'd like to put a decent spinning reel on each of these rods just to have them ready for a friend to use, etc. One Ugly Stik is a 5' 6" Light and the other is a 6' Medium. I've gotten good advice here in the past on what equipment to buy and thought you guys might be able to help me pick out two reels in the less-than-$50/each price range that are decent. Thanks in advance!

-Matt

Bass Pro Pro Qualifers. On sale for 49 Dollars and yes they are not shimanos, but i have found them to be quite bullit proof. IMO

[wolfewiz]

Shimanos in that price range are good. You can get an old Sahara for under 50 right now online at Cabellas. Also, the Diawa Crossfire are great and they are less than 20 bucks. Those really can't be beat for the price.

[GeoFisher]

Bass Pro Pro Qualifers. On sale for 49 Dollars and yes they are not shimanos, but i have found them to be quite bullit proof. IMO

I agree..........the pro qualifiers are pretty good.

[HURRICANEBOB]

Matt,

Help us help you. Are you loking for light (4-6 pound test reels) or medium (8-12 pound test line reels)?

Will you be bluegill and bass fishing with them, or going after heavier game fish?

That said. Here's a couple brands I have had that served me very well.
- Mitchell 300 series reels
300Xe | fishmitchell.com

- Abu Garcia® Cardinal S Series
Abu Garcia

- Penn Pursuit Reels in the 3000, 4000, and 5000 models:
Penn Pursuit Spinning Reels - PennFishingStore

[fishin-fool]

Matt,

Help us help you. Are you loking for light (4-6 pound test reels) or medium (8-12 pound test line reels)?

Will you be bluegill and bass fishing with them, or going after heavier game fish?

Sorry, I forgot to mention that! I'm really looking for lighter pound test reels for panfish and bass. That is mainly all I fish for.

Thanks for the recommendations so far!

[pointer]

If you could go $9 more, I think the Pflueger Presidents are pretty nice for the money. I think the smaller ones go for $49 and the rest go for $59.

[Benjo]

I bought a new Mitchell earlier this year and within two hours it had quit working. For under $50, its really hard to beat Abu Garcia or Shimano. In all honesty, the Abu Garcia cardinal series has proven to be a very tough and reliable reel for under $50. (My son has two and if you saw what he puts them through, I truly think you would be impressed).

[sweetwater]

Shimano Spirex. They come in three sizes with front or rear drag.

I have one and I love it. It has the Quickfire ll bail, a smooth rear drag, duel handles and it's as tough as a nail.

Cabela's and BP has them for the regular price of $59.99, but I see them on sale quite a bit for $49.99

[crappiepappy]

I'd stop in at Backwaters & see what they had on the consignment shelf. I bought a Shimano Spirex 2000 & a Shimano Aero 1000 from there, & paid way less than $50 for either of them. You could even take your rods along & test them against any reel you might consider ... and make sure they balance out. You definitely don't want a great reel that's too heavy or too light to balance whatever rod you're putting them on !!

... pappy

[jcb]

If you could go $9 more, I think the Pflueger Presidents are pretty nice for the money. I think the smaller ones go for $49 and the rest go for $59.

Agree with this. I have a President I got a couple years ago and I love it.

[smljaw]

Shimano Spirex. I have 3. All have been solid reels through the years. The 2000 is perfect size and can be used for lots of applications.