I'm sure this has been asked several times but what's everyones opinion on the best "bang for your buck" reel for catfishing? Specifically drifting for wintertime bigger blues? I've got my setups for catching eaters and channel cats but looking to upgrade my big cat rods and looking for reel suggestions without spending $150 bucks per reel.

Thanks in advance

Ambassador 6500

Penn Warfare at Cabelas. 90 bucks a pop...

I'm currently using several different reels: Ancient Mariners, abu 6500, 6500 catfish specials, penn rival 20lw, abu5500. I think my favorite is the catfish special. Keep an eye on Amazon for them, they come and go on sale and I've found them as low as $92 once, rest of the time on sale $99-$115. The penn rival hasn't been bad either so far at $60, but it's still pretty new. It did do well on a 30lb class fish though.

Penn Fierce II 6000 since the Salt Strikers were dropped by Cabelas......

I also have a couple Bass Pro Catmaxx Spinning Reels that have Done Well over Last 5-6 years.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-catmaxx-spinning-reel

CatMaxx Spinning

I picked up a couple of the penn warfare reels back at Christmas. Seem to like them so far cast decent and have a smooth drag. If your going the Abu route just buy the cheap version so the whole reel falls apart about the time the reel seat breaks apart.

After 20+years I still use the Abu's in the 5000/5500/6500 series and they work fine fishing about 3-6 days a week. I guess some fish more and like different reels but as for me the Abu's work excellent. I do have a person who cleans and repairs the Abu's as needed. The newest reel I have is probably 10 years old.
Get what you like and test it out.

I sure like your Rod Rack!!

Boat n bank combos hang from the ceiling, med combos n carp combos on a wall mounted rack.....

I got some Penn rival 20lw combos at academy for 100$ each this year . Super strong I love them . They don�t cast as well as I hoped . But I am useing from 6-9 oz of lead plus a big bait . Do those warfare�s cast well? I�ve caught several 40lb blues in current so heavy I could barely anchor at the dam. It was like catching much bigger fish . They where awesome .

I�ve experimented with several thru the years but all I use now is the Abu Garcia 6500C3.

I have moved away from Abu and use the Shimano Tekotas. They hold up much better. They run about $169.

What size tekotas are you using Micheal? I�m thinking of switching over because I haven�t been too impressed with my abus.

I have a dozen or more Abu Garcia Ambassadors ranging from 5500 to 6500. I have Originals, BCX, SX, S, C3, Commandos and Morrums. I pick them up on Ebay, garage sales, Facebook or where ever. I have never paid more than $40 for any of them and the ones I spent that much on were pristine and basically new. As for rods, I have 5 B and M silver cat magnums, (not the cheap versions you see at Walmart the ones with the aluminum rod seats) the most expensive one was on clearance for $11 at Academy. I have one Berkley Big Game, and they are good for cheap rods, and they are on clearance at Walmart in Center, TX right now for $11. I have several others I can't think of off the top of my head, but they are very good rods.

The point is this, If you look you can find great deals. Don't be in a hurry and keep your eyes peeled. I have some really great setups and out of the 10-12 I have rigged up and use regularly, I doubt I have more than $400 in all of them together. The same goes for tackle, I buy no-rolls 10 pounds at a time for $25 and free shipping. I buy Mustad Demon Perfect Circles 100 8/0 for $15. I run a fishing ministry and I have to stretch every penny, and there are ways to do that if you shop around, and keep your eyes open for opportunities.