crackerjackjack

Thanks for the help! I've been a recreational fisherman most my life, but only recently starting becoming more active and going out more often to some near by areas couple times a week in the summers after work. I'm fishing Southern Ontario freshwater, primarily at harbours, shorelines, banks, rivers. I don't have a boat so not out on the lake pulling in huge salmon, though the harbour has some decent sized catfish. I don't really have a specific species I go for, really almost anything that bites. But tend to catch a lot of LM, SM & rock bass and smaller catfish around my area. I've read good things about Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Shimano - but not sure if when it comes to their lower priced reels the quality is still there. Also open to other suggested companies. From what I read online and other data points that might help: - I think I want a 2500/3000 size? - I use braid - Generally fish with everything from a worm on a bobber and drop shot to lures and soft plastics - I'm looking around ~$200 but can go up or down depending if it the value makes sense - I'll be buying a new rod to match the reel as well - Vanford is $100 more than the Tatula in my area