Hello all, my name's Tom and I just got a powell endurance utility rod, I throw A-rigs on there as well as jigs, carolina rigs, swimbaits etc., heavier lures basically, the reel I have on there has crappy drag, so I'm looking for a new one, any recommendations? I'm trying to stay under $150

Welcome, Tom.

Honestly, just about any reel in and around the $150 range should be fine. I would just go with your favorite brand. My personal preference would be Shimano or Lew's. If you're not throwing braid, just make sure the reel has sufficient capacity for long casts at deeper depths. My assumption here is that you'll be using FC or mono in the 15-25# range. In that case a size 50 Shimano may not be ideal, for example.

It's been a couple years since I've had to buy a new reel, so others may be able to chime in with specific models currently available.

Lews super duty

I use a Shimano Curado CU-200 5.1:1 for A-rigs and large swimbaits. It has the needed line capacity, a great drag (keep in mind this reel is over 10 years old), and plenty of power. You can find them used for 50-70 bucks and they are still rock solid. They may not be as small and as smooth as some of the current market models but I doubt you can find any reel that is any tougher than this one.

Lews super duty

 

This one!

For me its a 5500c3 15lb big game on a uglystik intercoastal.1/2 on up salt and fresh.this is for hard baits and jigs

Christmas is coming up so you might find a Curado I on sale for that price. That's what I did couple of Xmas's back. The Curado fits the bill for me in several of those techniques mentioned. I have never thrown an A-rig, so I can't vouch for that. 

$150 reels are all going to be solid performers. Find one that offers the things you're looking for in a casting reel. I.e. looks,size,drag,weight, line capacity,handle length,ect ect

It was pointed out in another thread that the Shimano Curado I is on sale at American Legacy for $119.99...normal price $179.99.  Don't own one, but do a few other Shimano models.  Should be an excellent reel at that price.

It was pointed out in another thread that the Shimano Curado I is on sale at American Legacy for $119.99...normal price $179.99. Don't own one, but do a few other Shimano models. Should be an excellent reel at that price.

That's an awesome price!!

Lew's BB1 Pro or a SuperDuty!

Lew's BB1 Pro or a SuperDuty!

Honestly almost almost any reel would work for that other than some of the small shimono 50 size reels or the quantum 100 size reels.  most of my big baits or swimbaits I throw on a citrix 350 size or a BPS PQ.  but the model with the strongest drag that i have i think is the *** A reel.   I don't really find  a strong drag needed unless I am fishing lily pads.  

I generally throw 1/2oz or heavier, and my preference are decked out 5500c3 reels. I have large hands and they are comfortable to palm.

Lighter lures get thrown on a 4600c3, likewise modified, and with faster gears for a 31ipt retrieve. I consider this my jerkbait setup. Slower gears would get reinstalled for spinners etc, but will likely build a separate setup for light moving lures.

Josh

Shimano Cardiff 300 series at less than $110 is a excellent reel for the application you discribed.

Tom