Suggestions on a new spinning reel?

I use a symetre 4000 for saltwater trout and reds. Great reel. I know several people that use it and everyone loves it.

I'd go with the Pfleuger if it was me, but probably just a President for what you are going after....I have the Supreme and its not noticeably better than a President for less...

I have three Revo reels and two Quantum Smoke PT reels used for inshore fishing (trout and reds). Revos are light and initially are super-smooth but I've had issues with durability. The cost of making a super-light reel is a lack of strength and as a result I've had to replace a broken main stem (that connects to the rod) and replace a bail spring mechanism on the Revos. Also I've had issues with a heavy grinding retrieve immediately after reeling in a large fish. It eventually goes away and might have to do with displacement of grease in the gears, but it's disappointing on a reel that expensive.

The Quantum reels might be a bit heavier but feel more solid and dependable. When I have both side-by-side I tend to grab the Quantum. So if you can find a deal on Quantum Smoke PT spinning then I would strongly suggest you buy.

Out of those, the Shimano. Definitely 3000 though.

Edit; completely skipped the Ozarks part. If Shimano still makes the 1500 size, that would be perfect.

Penn Battles have been nothing short of perfect for me.

I haven't used any of those, personally, but Shimano generally makes good stuff, though bait-casters are their real forte.

Have you considered Okuma? they have been the biggest bang for the buck for me and pretty bulletproof. I have an Coronado for Surf Fishing and a Stinson for the type of fishing you would be looking at. Okuma no longer makes the stinson but do make a Trio, Avenger, and Safina. All seem like very good reels, most are under $100, many well under.

Good luck, it always takes me a long time to pull the trigger on these type of decisions.

quote:

---

I don't think I've ever seen a crappie that would need a $100 reel to handle

---

I use nothing but spinning tackle and I fish for crappie 80% of the time. It's not about handling the fish. I make lots of casts in a day. It's about smoothness, comfort and how long will it feel smooth. I have burned through many a Sub-$30 reel in the last few years. The better quality reels just make for a more pleasurable fishing experience. For me. YMMV. JMO.



OP, always look at the bargain cave at Cabela's. I have done well by looking for the amount of the price drop-not the final price. You can get some screaming deals on high dollar reels that are being phased out for a newer model.

As far as mid-priced ones are concerned, the Mitchell series are better than most for the price.

quote:

---

I make lots of casts in a day.

---

I do too. Okuma Avengers and this little Cardinal have been plenty smooth and plenty easy to cast all day...a 15 size reel isn't exactly a behemoth. I rarely use a cork or live bait...mostly I cast about a billion times with a 1/64th oz jighead until I find them then stay there and cast until they stop eating. I've never used a high end spinning reel so maybe I'm just ignorant.

quote:

---

The only Okuma I have didn't stay smooth long.

---

I have an Okuma casting reel that ended up being a huge piece of shite. But I have an Avenger reel and my main crappie rod is an Okuma and they've both been fantastic. If I had a Cabela's near me I may have a different collection.

I had 2 Pflueger Presidents but the each crapped out after 2 years of saltwater use, now exclusivity using Shimano (stradic, saros, sahara) ...never had any issues with them.

Just got daughter a Mitchell Pro300 so will see if it holds up like Shimanos.