The past number of years I've been offshore fishing and sold all of my old G-Loomis rods, quantum and shimano calcutta reels. Due to some health issuues, I've put the offshore boat up for sale and will be buying some new bass gear in the near future. I won't be fishing tournaments or guiding so I don't need to spend $500 on a reel or rod but would like something that will last too. Any suggestions on brands/models? I'm well versed on decent rods but could use help on reels. Suggestions?

I'm partial to Shimano Metaniums and Bantams but have to say the new Curado 150 MGL is impressive.

The Shimano expride ia very good rod.

If I was going to buy multiple reels and didn't want to spend thousands then I would buy a handful of Curado K's. However, you can buy Metanium MGL's through Digitaka for about $275 a pop so I would strongly consider that. Shimano Metanium is the best reel out there right now.

Shimano Curado rods and reels are very nice for the price point

Had to beat curados or tatulas for the bang vs the buck spent.

13 Fishing Concept for the reels.
Falcon for the rods.

I've owned many Shimano's new and old (Curado, Chronarch, E7, etc...) I'm sorry, but the new Shimano's are NOT what the old CU200 and E series reels used to be that everyone knows and loves. I sold all my new Shimano's within months after having issues with them with very little use... 13 Fishing and Lews are the two reel companies to go with these days. All of mine from either brand have been super super solid. I just prefer the 13 Fishing feel more personally.

That's just my opinion and experience of course. Although I do bass fish a lot, my reels see a lot of inshore saltwater usage too. And 13 Fishing/Lews are the only two that have yet to cause a single problem. And one of the 13 reels is 7 years old

I know the Shimano fanboys are gonna have a field day with this, and that's fine

Lews tournament MP for around 160.00

I was a diehard shimano fan until they did away with the CU200 and probably had 15 or so. Once they changed I slowly started transitioning to Lews and have had no issues. The Diawa Tatula is nice and casts like a dream but my only issue is since I palm the reel the dial on the left side plate gets turned very easily and have to check it every 2-3 casts to make sure it is still in proper setting. Wife bought me the top of the line Abu Garcia Revo for Christmas last year and although it casts really well it is really noisy for a 300.00 plus reel.

For the money the new Lews are hard to beat.

I'm a fan of the Daiwa Tatula lineup

Agree. It's hard to beat either one of these. I slight nod to the Shimano for durability and longevity. However, I do like the Tatula SV for skipping and pitching.

The new Curado’s are the best reel under $200 period. Best Curado they have made.

I have bought and tried all the $100-$200 reels. My favorite is the Daiwa Tatula SV for the outstanding backlash control. That being said, an average fisherman can't really go wrong with any reels from Daiwa, Shimano or Lew's.

Shimano. Keep the Calcutta 200 for a spinnerbait reel, low cranking speed and a work horse. I am still using mine from the 90's , but everything has new bearings.

By the way, if anyone wants to trade a 2018 or newer Skeeter or Ranger plus some cash for a 27 ft Seahunt Gamefish, let me know. I put her up for sale yesterday