What spinning reel do you recommend for shakey head or Ned rig? Something within the $200 range.

Shimano Stradic FK, just picked one for finesse rig and it's incredible.

I agree, still use some of the old wooded handled stadics from 20 yrs ago. whatever you choose look at gear ratios. some spinning reels are slow.

A 6.something Stradic on a Compre medium jig and worm rod is what I use. It's ok. It's light and easy to use and still has enough backbone for the occasional "larger" bass. Lol.

And, you can consider the Shimano Stradic CI4+ in addition to the newer Stradic FK. One is made out of the C14+ material, the other more metal in the design I believe. They are about the same price.

These reels, spinning reels in general, just allow for much lighter lines and tackle, that is all, so it extends the bottom end of the application range in these areas. It in no way impedes one from catching any size fish that the line and tackle can handle.

So, if you spool on some 4 lbs. line, go out to catch some bluegills, and you snag a 12 lbs. LMB, you will have to be very lucky to land the fish, that, or really skilled. But, it was the line, and not the reel, that was the weak link.

The one exception I can think of is any fishing technique where you have to horse the fish out of cover. You can still do it with a 4000 series and big braid, but a baitcaster is better suited to that chore.

Brad

Thanks, I will check them out...

Pflueger Supreme XT can be had on TW for $150, hard to beat this one. Or if you want to spend more a Patriarch XT at $250, never have used one of those. But in my opinion Pflueger makes the best spinning reels at this price point.