I've never been big on spinning gear, but I guess I'm going to try it again. Any recommendations on reels? Because I'm not certain if I'll stick with it, something like a stradic would probably be too pricey. Looking more in the $120-$150 range. Thanks in advance.

I would look for an older stradic.

I have a nearly new stradic fj 2500 series for sale for $130. Only spooled with line, never been on the water. Originally $179.99 plus tax.

Shimano Saros FA


I'd give this reel a try. Very smooth.

boom

I really like my Revo SX30. 5.8:1 ratio. I use it for finesse...dropshot, ned rig, etc. 20# braid backing and 8-10# InvizX leaders. 15% off at Tackle Warehouse so around $135.99 shipped. Here's a link.

Tacklewarehouse has Lews spinning reels on sale. I use them and have no issues with them. I am not a big spinning guy either but they have a place and come in handy. I think its the tournament HS for $68.

and a fast gear ratio.

An Abu Garcia Revo SX is in your price range, new. And, it is "braid ready" so know stickers or backing required. I don't own one but it is a good looking reel with a good reputation.

From experience, I can recommend the Shimano Stradic Ci4+, 2500 or 3000 sizes. A used one should fall from its normal 220 bucks into your price range. The "+" is the latest version with a much stronger composite material and a few other improvements.

It weighs essentially nothing, is smooth as silk, casts a mile, etc.

Once you get one, if you rig it up to take advantage of its strengths over bait casters, you'll likely use it exclusively for those techniques. One of the obvious "strengths" is fishing finesse with 6 and 8 pound lines.

And, though I am sure you know how to operate one, for a crash and/or refresher course in the very best techniques to employ, watch Captain Chris Myers series on YouTube.

Brad

I have a couple of these, really good reels, I actually used mine this year, had really good success with them.

Can't go wrong with any shimano spinning reels they pretty much all have a good drag system plus are very bank account friendly.

I recently bought two pflueger president spinning reels and I am impressed with them....10 bearing, very smooth, less than $80

^This last post is a good one. I also have two Pflueger Presidents, and both the 6935 and the 6925 are both great reels for the price point (6935 is sized for bass, the other for an ultralight rig (crappie).

Scott in Flower Mound

I picked up a pflueger Trion because I almost never use a spinning reel and I didn't want to invest any kind of serious coin. Not the best drag in the world but I didn't expect it to blow me away at $40. Overall though, I've been impressed with it for the price. It's done everything I've asked it to.

+1 on the Pflueger reels. I have 2 Trion and a President and they work great.