New Rod

[Maximum12]

Hey all,I'm looking for a recommendation on a new reel to go with the pretty new St. Croix rod I picked up at the Sportshow.

Criteria: it's for a 7' med-heavy St. Croix rod that I'll be using for bass & northern, running 10-14 lb. Fireline. I'm looking for a spinning reel between $30 - $70. Ability to take abuse is a must since I'm both clumsy & sometimes negligent with my poor equipment. I have Shimano reels on all of my rods at the moment & I like them - the performance is good but they seem to have a fair amount of annoying little problems - so I'd like to try something different for the sake of comparison.

Any advice or endorsements would be welcome since the WI opener is nine days away & I'll be on the water with my new rod & reel then!

[Bobb-o]

try picking up a Daiwa Samurai. very nice reel at a very reasonable price

[BoxMN]

I have a buddy who is a "reel geek" and he pointed me in this direction:

the new Pflueger Supreme -(Magnesium made reel) (Model 8035-ML) at a local retailer and it looked pretty sweet for the money $100 (Very Smooth, Lightweight, Good Anti-Reverse etc.)

I don't have one, and it is slightly above your price, but would be a very good reel. My bro picked up a Guide Series that looks just like a Pflueger for about $40. It has 9 bearings and is very, very smooth. We put it on a Medium Light St. Croix Premier that I got, and it is a nice little setup.

[youngie22]

can't ever go wrong with a Shimano. Check out a Symetre, I love 'em. Probably a 2500 would fit nicely. Alittle less in price but still a great reel, look at the sedona. Good luck at the store.

[Maximum12]

For those that responded, how long have you had these reels?

I'll admit that I fondled a couple of Pfluegers that seemed reeeeaaaal smooth in the hand.

[magic_minnow]

The pfluegers are awesome. Of course if your on a budget, any of the store brands are just as comparable. I personally have a Guide Series and the Cabelas Prestige series and I am fully satisfied with BOTH brands. I'd probably recommend Cabelas brands because of their high level of service. And if it breaks for any reason, bring it back for an exchange no questions asked. Awesome huh? I also got a Cabelas prestige on my ice rod. I dropped it in the hole one time and it still reeled like a charm! Good luck!

[lunker651]

Daiwa Excelor, great reel for the money and in your price range you mention.

[jeff042479]

Talk to the people at Gander. I think they have a Guide Series made by Pflueger (comparable to the President series)for significantly less than the Pflueger. I don't have one, but have been doing a little research also.

[Orlip]

I was just looking at a Pfluger Echlon rod & reel combo at FF. I know it is not top of the line but I thought the reel was really smooth and for the price, Under $45

[BoxMN]

Quote:

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Talk to the people at Gander. I think they have a Guide Series made by Pflueger (comparable to the President series)for significantly less than the Pflueger. I don't have one, but have been doing a little research also.

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That's the one my brother got, for $40, and it is very nice. We have only used it for crapps so far, so can't comment on durability yet as it is still new, but it seems very good so far.

[BOCEFISH]

I've never had a shimano last long, but that is with hard wear and tear. For a spinning reel there is no reason to have to go expensive. Take a look at the Gander Mountain guide series reels. Mine have held up and performed great. However, I have only had them for 2 years.

[vister]

I myself have the pflueger trion in a 4-9" ultralight with matching light reel. Very nice combo at 40 bucks. Also plueger trion in a custom 6'3 medium light for eyes with the matching trion reel. Very smooth as well. New rod + closing door = custom rod lengths.

Girlfriend uses the same sizes of rods except the pflueger president series. Again, nice. You can get the combos from 40-60 bucks, and save 10 bucks if ya get just the reels. My reels of choice

tough to beat at the price

[Mistermojo]

I have the symetre 2500 myself and it's been a great reel! 2 years and no problems!

[archer59]

Last year I bought a Quantum Catlyst. Very nice reel for feel and performance, with different sizes for vaious applications. I boutht the Catlyst 20 and used it as one of my Walleye rigs. I also use Shimano spinning gear.

Good luck with your choice,

Nick