All of my finesse fishing has been done with a spinning rod. Im going to get a TBC71MF for shakeyheads mostly. I usually use Abu reels, but I don't think they have a finesse type reel. mostly using 1/8-1/2 shakeyhead jigs.

 

Abu Revo MGX is the perfect finesse casting reel. I have 2 and they can cast light lures with ease. Shimano Core and Daiwa Pixy are also great light weight finesse reels.

Is the MGXtreme worth the extra $150 over the MGX?

Is the MGXtreme worth the extra $150 over the MGX?

4.9oz. reel, $500.00 Makes the reel $100.00 an ounce. You decide....lol

Hootie

Curado 50E, saw a NIB Daiwa Sol a few days ago for $170!;  Daiwa Alpha 103's, Pixy, Steez.  

One of my favourite reels: Shimano Conquest 50 (51).

Go JDM Abu with a LTX. It's built for finesse.

hows the chronarch 50e for this? i have one im eyeballing and would use it for this exact thing.

In my experience, the Pixy is hands down the best finesse casting reel to be had. I've heard nothing but great things about the Conquest 50, but have never even held one. The Curado/Chronarch 50e(haven't used the Chronarch, but is my understanding that they are essentially the same) would be my second choice---I feel that it gives up little if anything casting wise to the Core 50. Finally, the Daiwa Alphas platform makes a pretty good finesse caster. With some tuning(and some $$$), an Alphas could probably be made to perform similar to a Pixy.

It all kinda comes down to how much you want to spend. I haven't spent any time with an MGX other than just tinkering with it at the store, but if I was gonna drop that kind of dough, I'd be looking Daiwa or Shimano.

The MGX can be had for around 260 on Ebay. Add Boca orange seal be arings for 30 bucks and you have an awesome finesse reel. Is the Pixy better?  Yeah, maybe a little but it's also $100 more. I have reels from Daiwa, Shimano and Abu and the MGX's cast control is the best I've used. Pitching light lures is not an issue. As for the MGX extreme, think your paying for the spool and handle knobs.

Any of the Shimano 50/51's. I have a Curado 51e and I love it for finesse fishing.

Love my Core 51 and it will certainly handle what you want it to do well. I'm sure the other 50/51 size reels that Shimano puts out will do just fine as well, I just haven't used them.