Trying to get back into the game after being out of it for several years...any recommendations on a reel I can pair with a rod for $250 or less for the entire set up? I used to be a big fan of Shimano reels and Falcon rods but I’m long past spending $500-$600 on a set up. Any advice is appreciated, thanks guys!

My buddy loves the Silver Max reels for around $50. You can pick up some good used rods in the classified section of the forum. I have 2 Dobyns that i picked up an love them.

Z

Get a Falcon Lowrider for $129 and a Shimano SLX for $99. A rod sleeve, reel cover, and spool of Seaguar will set you right at the $250 budget.

Thanks Greg! I thought about checking out the classifieds but I’m kinda funny about buying used tackle. Maybe I’m wrong for that, but I am. I forgot to mention I’m looking for something more all purpose...something I can fish worms but also spinner baits with. So probably medium action. I don’t know anything about the Silver Max reels though, so I might check them out!

Abu Garcia Black Max + Academy ethos rod = $100
I’d get Medium heavy for trig worms and spinnerbaits

Good to know Lowriders still have their reputation! I sold my boat back in 2014 and all the tackle with it. Only way I could afford a honeymoon and put money down on a house. But my wife is starting to warm up to idea of getting a boat again

Solid take here. I would also look at the Phenix rods too. I have a 6'10 Medium with the SLX that is a well balanced combo.

You can guy a lowrider and a slx 150 for $245 off tackle warehouse. Another option is the same real with a bucoo instead for $213.

I'll 2nd the Bucoo rods from Falcon. $99 ! Reels are something I'd be tempted to bust the budget on though. Try EBAY. It's quite possible to get new reels there for $25-30 under retail. Same for the rods. Lots of free shipping too.

Academy was offering 15% off if you opened an account with their credit card if used that day.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk...o+curado+50&_sop=1&_osacat=14104

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...sacat=14104&_odkw=shimano+curado+200

eBay has great prices on reels but buy from a reputable store. Sportsman’s Outfitters, ecop, Simmons Sporting goods are some of the ones I buy from and never had any hassle or bad dealings.

Check pawn shops and online classified ads. I have picked up high end reels for under $50. Sent them off for cleaning/inspection and they are like new out of the box condition. Same with rods. G. Loomis and TFO have lifetime warranties. Depreciation on rods is insane. With a $250 budget and some digging you can set yourself up with high end equipment if you don't mind buying it 2nd hand and doing some research.

Dobyns Fury Rods are a great rod for $120. Their 704 or 734 are great all around rods

I've bought just about all of my reels off ebay. I like Abu Garcia Revo STX and SX bait casters.. New ones are $199 for the STX.. $159 for the SX, I just got a STX Gen 3 for less than $100. I haven't had any issues buying used reels. I have bought some rods on ebay, I got 2 Quantam KVD 7'4" cranking rods for the price of 1 and they were brand new. I'm sure they are discontinued now, but were still brand new.
Good luck
BD

You can get a lews reel for 99.00-149.00 and a lews, castaway, or falcon rod for 80.00-129.00 at most Academy stores.

I haven’t been on this site in 7 years and I can’t believe people still recommend abu anything under $100. Sorry not sorry it’s junkkkkk.that being said I have two h20 express mettle reels that are now 10 years old with zero hiccups. I can ruin a black max in about an hour. Lee’s,shimano, and believe it or not ardent are the only companies still making decent reels.