Reel recommendations

[JackOfAllTrades]

I put Okuma 40's on my boys Ugly Stix and if those reels can survive my boys for the last two years.. They'll last for anyone.

That said... I still use a Mitchel 300 though! 

-Steve

[Intruder]

Okuma makes an OK real.... I've got an ultralight that has performed well for being relatively inexpensive.  I've also got a couple of their fly reels.... they're actually a pretty decent product too.  However, the spinning reels really don't hold a card to the multi ball bearing Quantum, Shimano or Diawas.  The gear quality, corrosion protection, and seals on those 3 are vastly better.  Van Staal's are the cream if money is no object.  If you can spend about a 100 bucks you'd likely be able to get youself something that you'll never wear out.  I've got a guide buddy who has a Cabo that he's had for about 3 or 4 years.... 200 days a year in salt and it's still going strong.  That's about 5 lifetimes of average angler in freshwater.     

[Ripper]

 From what I read in your post, The Shimano Symetre is the perfect fit for you. I love mine. I have a few of them. I'd get the bigger one,400 model. I believe it will hold about 250 yards of 12 lb. test. Smooth and reliable for $79.00 + tax.

[BLKBEARKLR]

All 35 of my reels are Shimano, never had a problem with them. And they work great. I have a lot of the stradics but the Symetre are great reels also, I have been buying those of late because they do not make a 1500 any longer.

Joe

[GWA Hunter]

I personally love Okuma. I use their reels for about every type of fishing such as walleye, salmon, trout, bass and more. I love the Epixor model which is around $50-$70  and have been very impressed with the Okuma Hardcore EB30 which is a 9 ball bearing reel for about $30. You will not be dissappointed with Shimano either though. Hope this helps. 

[uplandhunter870]

ive been looking over all of the suggested reels and have to say so far its a hard choice.  but what does every one think of Abu gracia's and quantums in the same $100 price range

[Intruder]

Quantum!

[MtnMuley]

I striclty use quantum spincasts for bass fishing.  Tons of casts with tight drags and lots of hang ups.  Get about 2 years out of the $100 to $150 range ones before they get sent off to be rebuilt.  If you're from Wenatchee, I'm sure you've been into Hooked on Toys to handle their large selection of mid to high quality spincast reels.  You can get a good feel for the size you're looking for.

Like I mentioned before, I'd go with a shimano or pfleuger, but of the two choices you listed, definately a Quantum.

[Curly]

MtnMuley, do you really use spincasts (like the old Zebco 202) or do you really mean spinning reels?   I did fish with a guy at one of the Federation tournaments years ago that used a spincast reel for skipping his baits back under trees and/or docks, but not many guys use spincast reels.

I have a few Quantum baitcast reels and I like them.  Don't have any experience with the spinning reels though.

[MtnMuley]

No Curly, what I meant was a spinning reel.  I guess I refer to a spinning reel as a spincast and casting reels as a baitcast........kinda forgot about the real "spincast" reels.........I grew up as a kid using 202's though!

[alanger]

I  like Abu Garcia's Revo or okuma, i guess you kinda got to test them out before you go buy somethinng.

[Intruder]

I  like Abu Garcia's Revo or okuma, i guess you kinda got to test them out before you go buy somethinng.

I think he's talking spinning reels 

Have heard those Revos are decent baitcasters.  I got a bunch of the old 4000 and 5000 series Ambassadors.  Good reels but not in the class w/ the Diawa/Shimano/Quantum casters.  I do have a fond spot for an old time Ambassodor I latched onto when I was about 13.... a 2500 series.  Tiny little baitcaster.... great with 12lb flouracarbon for crankbait fishing.  Acutally, now that I think about it, I think I only have 2 left... traded my others off over the years.

[BigGoonTuna]

i've got close to 2 dozen ambassadeurs...4 of them are 2500Cs.  daiwa and shimano have yet to put out a reel that can outcast a properly tuned 2500C.  a modified one set a casting record, something like 120 meters with a 5/8oz weight!

my primary steelhead reel is a 4500C.  30 years old and you can still get parts for them, try that with a 5 year old shimano...

[Skycruiser]

Steve, my recommendation, if you are a fairly serious fisheman, especially a steelhead fisherman, is to upgrade to a baitcasting reel. They take a little getting used to, but the control you have is FAR superior to a spinning reel. I switched over years ago, although I still use spinning reels for surfcasting. One thing I did when I switched is bought left-handed reels, which crank on the same side as spinning reels. For some reason unknown to me, baitcasting reels typically crank on the right, forcing you to cast with your left hand OR (as most people do), cast with your right and then switch hands to crank.

[alanger]

Sorry uplandhunter, i thought you wanted a baitcasting, disregard my post,

A shimano is where i would go with a spinning reel.

i've got close to 2 dozen ambassadeurs...4 of them are 2500Cs.  daiwa and shimano have yet to put out a reel that can outcast a properly tuned 2500C.  a modified one set a casting record, something like 120 meters with a 5/8oz weight!

my primary steelhead reel is a 4500C.  30 years old and you can still get parts for them, try that with a 5 year old shimano...

2 dozen??!?!?!? thats a lot of reels