I decided to keep this rod and now I am outrodded. I need a reel to pair with it. Does anyone have any comments on what would pair well with this rod in terms of balance and matching its light weight capabilities? I will be fishing wacky Senkos, t-rigs, and jigs up to 3/8 oz. I am looking to spend $200 or less and I am willing to buy used so I guess that leads to reels that are in the $250 range as well.

Thank you for the help and I look forward to hearing your comments!

Look for a used Core 50.

Look for a used Core 50.

Thank you for the recommendation. How does this compare against other reels in its category? Most notably the Abu Garcia MGX (7.9:1 version).

Well, I love the Core, but I have the Curado 50E on my BCS 893C and it makes for a BE-U-TIFUL combination!

Rather than the more expensive Core 50MG, get the Curado and service or have DVT service the reel. I had mine

supertuned last spring (ceramic bearings and Carbontex drag).

Well, I love the Core, but I have the Curado 50E on my BCS 893C and it makes for a BE-U-TIFUL combination!

Rather than the more expensive Core 50MG, get the Curado and service or have DVT service the reel. I had mine

supertuned last spring (ceramic bearings and Carbontex drag).

That's an interesting idea. Does the supertune really add a lot to performance? And does it make the reel heavier?

Yes it will add noticeable performance. It wont make the reel heavier. I was going to suggest a curado 50e for this rod as well.

Yes it will add noticeable performance. It wont make the reel heavier. I was going to suggest a curado 50e for this rod as well.

Thank you I decided to go that route instead of buying a $200+ dollar reel.

What upgrades should I do to it? I am going to need new handles, but is going with ceramic bearings and a carbontex drag the best route? If so, how much maintenance would it require to keep the bearings in good shape and relatively quiet.

Just picked up an ABU Garcia REVO Premier (2012 version) at Cabela's today on closeout for $199.99 best value around.

check out their web site or local store for inventory

Just picked up an ABU Garcia REVO Premier (2012 version) at Cabela's today on closeout for $199.99 best value around.

check out their web site or local store for inventory

I am glad you got a nice deal. The curado 50e on this rod casts anything amazing. It is by far the best reel I've used. I am sure the rod helps too but I throw weightless Senkos 30 yards without much effort at all and no chance of backlash. I enjoy the smaller spool on the 50e's and I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on a chronarch 50mg if they cast just as well as these curados?

My only wish is that the 50e would come in a faster gear ratio.

I am glad you got a nice deal. The curado 50e on this rod casts anything amazing. It is by far the best reel I've used. I am sure the rod helps too but I throw weightless Senkos 30 yards without much effort at all and no chance of backlash. I enjoy the smaller spool on the 50e's and I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on a chronarch 50mg if they cast just as well as these curados?

My only wish is that the 50e would come in a faster gear ratio.

I have five Chronarch 50 Mgs and I have had several Curados over the years. The only "Shimano" reel that will outcast a 50Mg is a TE-DC. I have one of those too. Shimano doesn't make the Chronarch 50Mg anymore (replaced by the Core, so you will have to find it on ebay, etc. I am looking for new ones all the time to save them in case the ones I have wear out, but I don't think I will live that long. LOL. You certainly won't be dissapointed with a 50 Mg. They are amazing little reels.

Ronnie