Several YouTube guys promoted the Shimano Casitas when it came out a year or more ago and gave it good reviews for a less expensive casting reel. I saw it on sale at TW, bought one for $99.

It is sort of similar to the very expensive Aldebaran in appearance. The quality is pretty good. I prefer a tension knob with the little "tick" adjustment tactile feedback. This one doesn't have that but it adjusts pretty well. It has a simple but effective brake system.

Just to familiarize myself with it, I spooled on 12 lbs. Sufix Elite mono. It is hard to bird nest with good thumb action. I was throwing one of those new Teckler Sprinker Frogs really far even on a 5'6" St. Croix rod I prefer for kayak fishing. I'd suppose I could throw it across the cove where I live with a 7' plus rod.

I like Shimano, in general, especially their spinnning reels. So far, so good and I'll test some more with slightly lighter presentations.

Brad

One of the better budget reels, although I hear the new iteration of the Daiwa Fuego's are great as well.

When one factors in the cost of maintenance, especially if you have to send a reel out for service by others, it sure makes sense to find some good low cost reels that can be used for a couple of years, trouble free.

Daiwa makes some really good products!

Brad

this is a dang good reel! I have one posted in the classifieds that has literally been used one trip for less than a dozen casts. I'm asking $80 including original box etc. I would keep it if it were a lefty.