I have not fished in a long long time but recently bought a cheap combo deal at Cabello's and a license to see what I could catch locally. It was a Shakespear open face model for about 30 bucks. Now I had considered this was a cheap rig but my Dad had always bought Shakespear when I was younger and it seemed like a good quality brand then so thought that this should be at least acceptable for a start.

What a piece of junk! There is an ID of BSP 35 on it but not sure if this is a model number. I would have been better off using a string on a stick.

Anyway - I want to ditch this and get a good reel without spending an arm and a leg for it. So, do I have any choices in the $75.00 to $100.00 dollar price range for an open faced reel which I prefer?

Usil

For that amount you can get a used Curado B on ebay.

I mean a reel with an open face and flip bail. Not sure if I am using the correct terms. And used would be ok.
Usil

Shimano Sahara/Symetre, Daiwa Exceler, Abu Garcia Soron SX...all good reels for $100 or less.

Thanks. With all the reels out there to try to make sense of your suggestions were a great help.

Usil

Abu Garcia Cardinal

Get the Shimano Sahara, Symetre, or Spheros and be done with it. All within your budget. If you want to go slightly used a shimano stradic would suffice. After trying all makes and models through the years, I've concluded there are no better reels on the market.

Thanks again. I am leaning toward the Shimano Sahara/Symetre models. What is the basic difference between these two? I will just be using these for fresh water ponds and creeks and using light weight 4 to 6 pound line. Also, there are several variations on each. Are these just for how much line they will hold? or the weight of the line?

Usil

they are just the different sizes of the reel. I think a 1000 size is probably what you are looking for.

A daiwa exceler in the 2500 size coupled with 10 lb. mono would be a good all-around choice. Don't go with a really small reel otherwise you'll have a lot of line twist and it won't be fun using that reel, especially if you go with line heavier than 8 lb.

(Sahara/Symetre)Couldn't really tell you the difference in the technical aspects as they feel about the same in the 2500 series. The Spheros is a little bulkier(not much) probably due to it being more geared for saltwater environment.

penn fierce series $79 or less.....awesome reel

You must say"spinning reel"(not open faced reel),and i tell you for me the best spinning reel(PRICE/QUALITY) are DAIWA WHISKER SS TOURNAMENT 1300(700 for light spinning),light reel( whisker graphite body and rotor),lifetime bail spring,super high retrieve(up to 6.2 to 1) with long cast spool,bronz and stainless steel gear,SIC line roller,oversized drag(titanium/felt washer).I HAVE FISHIN WITH THIS REEL FOR OVER 10 YEARS (99% IN SALTWATER)WITHOUT PROBLEM!!!!

If you buy this reel(price new around $80)with minimum maintanance serve you for many years.
You can buy cheaper use, but in good condition ,SS TOURNAMENT 1300 in e-bay.

Don't know if this reel has sold. Many people don't update their posts. It is for the SS 1300 mentioned in the previous post. $55.

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=719999

I bought a Daiwa SSII 2500C in excellent shape for $65 tyd. He had one left after I bought mine. Check bbcboards.net to see if he has the one left yet. These are $150 reels new. I don't have a rod for it yet, but have wanted one of these reels every since reading about them.

Thanks for every bodies suggestions. After a review of each I decided to go for the Shimano Symetre 3000FJ. I found it on sale for $70.00. I considered the DAIWA WHISKER SS TOURNAMENT 1300 and it seemed to be a sound reel and a workhorse but ultimately decided on the newer model design of Shimano. It was a hard decision.

Just got it today and mounted it along with new line. Seems silky smooth in operation and it is small and appears to be well made. I bought the 3000 to get the bigger handle. I think this will give me a few years of good operation.

Will try it out this week.

Thanks to all.

AquariumGuy

I have a Symetre and love it.It was my first "real" reel and I have been very pleased. Before, when I was using cheap spin casters, I would work on the reel more than I would fish. Now I just fish.

You'll be really pleased with the Symetre - I have a couple of them in the 1000 size, and they are butter-smooth!

shimano curado is $99 at academy for black friday

.

Shimano Curado is spinning reel not casting reel???

it is a bait caster.


The small and strong Shimano Curado 50-E Baitcast Reel, Right-handed features high-efficiency gearing for leverage and power. The high-efficiency gearing also eliminates flex in the drivetrain to produce smooth, silent, high-speed retrieves and large amounts of torque. A super-free bearing-supported pinion gear system eliminates friction on the spool shaft during the cast, while the variable braking system with reduced mass hub offers a consistent spool speed and is easy to manage. Freshwater/Saltwater. 115 yards/20 lb., 105 yards/30 lb., 6.9 oz.
Features and Benefits

Aluminum frame with graphite side plates for light weight and durability
5 stainless-steel ball bearings, 1 A-RB roller clutch bearing and 1 S A-RB ball bearing for smooth operation
High-efficiency gearing with a 6.4:1 gear ratio for high-speed retrieves that are smooth and silent
Super-free bearing-supported pinion gear system eliminates friction on the spool shaft during the cast
Dartainium drag
Cold-forged AL Drag Star with clicking adjustment
A7075 aluminum magnumlite spool
Drilled handle shank with Septon PV power grips
Variable brake system with reduced mass hub offers a consistent spool speed that is easy to manage and takes advantage of the maximum casting distance
Recessed reel foot
Super Stopper II antireverse eliminates backplay for instant hook-setting power
Assist stopper

PlanoSooner,

I have asking you if is spinning reel because the "AquariumGuy" was asking for spinning reels under $100,not for baitcasting reels.

Regards,

Jean

Before I get ripped I will tell you I have some Shimano open faced spinning reels...

Lately I have been also fishing a Wavespin size 3000 reel a lot and it has been a very good reel. Yes I like Shimano but this Wavespin is not expensive on Ebay and in my estimation it is a very very good reel for the money and way less than 100 bucks.

TwoRangers,

Please try DAIWA WHISKER SS TOURNAMENT 1300 one of the best spinning reel(quality/price).
New around $80,but in E-BAY you can find use ,but very good reel with half price.

doh!!!

i have always called baitcasters 'open faced'

and a spinning reel, well, a spinning reel

A Bass Pro Shops Extreme on a Berkely Lightning rod or a Bionic Blade would be a good spinning combo. I think a Garcia Cardinal on a Cherrywood would be a pretty reliable and super cost effective combo too. That would be more in the neighborhood of $50. I think Academy has those rods on sale for $10 this week.

Find a Mitchell 300 and it will last you a life time. I still have 6 I bought from KMart in 1978. They still work fine.

Why is everyone still suggesting if he already bought it? There was way too much advice given for such an easy question any way. I asked this question myself a couple years ago. The correct answer back then is still the correct answer today. Find the Shimano reel in your price range and buy it.

many people on discussion boards ALSO take the advice that the original poster got.

i welcome ALL advice.... especially well supported advice.

One word......PENN.

You just cant beat em.