Can anyone recommend a decent light reel in the $50 price range? I picked up one of the cheaper Quantum light combos at Academy and I have liked the rod, but the reel operates a little rough. Its line listing goes to 6lbs, but it has worked well with 8lb P-line. Any thoughts, suggestions or yelling at me about my lame setup would be appreciated.

(Off topic for this forum section, but if someone could point me to a source for those Big Bite Bait worms that are green with the gold sparkles that would be helpful, too)

this baitcast or spinning? what type of fishing?

Maybe This
or This or This

academy has that color on sale for 99 cents right now. I snagged a package last week. if it's a baitcasting setup, get an H2O mettle for $50. if its a spinning setup, academy sells a lews spinning reel 200, 300, or 400 for $50. I have one, and love it so far.

Sorry, I really should have included that. Spinning, and small bass.

I heard good things about the Pflueger President reels. They are 50 to 60 bucks.

Very nice reels for the money. Pointed my wife's neice at one for her hubby, and he loves it. I have a friend that recommended it, and he's a good fisherman. He uses his every time he fishes, and he (and his partner) is currently in first in the tourney series they are fishing.

I appreciate that! I've been eyeing those, but I was just looking at the styling and wasn't sure about performance.

I think you two have me sold.

Yeah, Pflueger Presidents are some of the best spinning reels for the buck IMHO. I now go with the President XT because I'm fishing in some rough areas from the bank, canoe or river boat. Sealed drags are a life saver if your reel happens to take a dunk into the water w/ sand, mud and other small particulates.

Shimano Sedona or Sahara 1000 !

quantum optix are very decent reels