Ok, allow me to preface this by saying I am not interested in a Shimano as this is on my creek wading rod. I am looking for a $50-100 spinning reel to go on my St. Croix Eyecon 6'3" MXF with 15/4 PP S8S. My old reel was a Lew's SG300 that was $50 new. I used it for 8 years. I just got a Lew's Mach MS200 for the Eyecon, same price point, but the handle is plastic and the reel is a little geary under load. If I could stick with Lew's, that would be awesome, but if not, let me know guys.

Pflueger president would be my choice for a cheaper spinning reel, but still a quality and well built reel!

1 hour ago, FishinBuck07 said:

Pflueger president would be my choice for a cheaper spinning reel, but still a quality and well built reel!

Have to agree, all my spinning reels are Pflueger.

I've got two Pflueger spinners and they're both well built, smooth and seemingly rugged. I'd go with the President myself.

If you don't want to break the bank KastKing has some decent reels for around 50 bucks or above. Sharky lll is not bad for the price point.  https://www.kastking.com/c/spinning-reels_0383

I have three Pflueger presidents, and have never had any issues with them.

How about a Daiwa Legalis $69.00. It's a great reel. I think it's the best in your range.

 

It’s closer to $100, but the Daiwa BG reels are great and are built like a tank.  

Anything in your price range from the new Daiwa LT lineup.  I have 2 (the Legalis LT and Exceler and LT) and they blow everything else away in that price range.  In fact, I honestly like them almost as much as my Stradics and Stradic CI4s.  Crazy light, super smooth.  The only complaint I've ever heard is reel flex due to the build material, but that's only from guys using them as inshore reels for snook, reds, and small tarpon.  I don't think bass are gonna put much strain on them.   If using for wading, you might want to consider the Fuego LT since is is magsealed, IF you have a history of dunking your reels.  Otherwise, any of the models are solid choices.

A lot of good suggestions so far guys, keep them coming. I'm keeping a running tally. 

Fuego LT

Diawa BG is heavy for light fresh water fishing, but if you don't mind the weight, or might use it in Salt Water,  by far the best in the $100 price range.   Prefer mine over other brands costing twice as much, and I have been a Shimano fan my whole life.  

For me it's kinda like....do I buy a Ford, Chevy or Dodge truck.

 

I have Lews, Pflueger , Shimano and even a Mitchell 300.....years of dependability. 

 

Oh and my bait casters are all Abu Garcia's. 

 

The ones I didn't mention I've experienced premature failures, all I'll say.

Any Daiwa.  Check eBay.

1 hour ago, waymont said:

How about a Daiwa Legalis $69.00. It's a great reel. I think it's the best in your range.

 

I also own this reel, very nice reel also.

recently had my old mitchell 300 gold sent to bps repair shop to refurbish job ... 30$  ... 31 ipt ... 14lb. max drag ... salt or freshwater ... 

 

 

good fishing ...

As already stated...pflueger president!  I have 2, dad has 2 and my other buddies have several and no issues! 

Lew’s Mach 2 Speed Spin. Aluminum framed spinning reel. Smooth and tough.

President xt or supreme in size 30.  Worth spending a little more than the regular president for the weight savings

Why not Shimano? In your price range I'd get a Shimano Sahara and not look back.

1 hour ago, TBAG said:

Why not Shimano? In your price range I'd get a Shimano Sahara and not look back.

me 100%

5 hours ago, TBAG said:

Why not Shimano? In your price range I'd get a Shimano Sahara and not look back.

They're great, until they bind up from being dunked in a river. I won't wade fish with one. 

2 hours ago, Drew03cmc said:

They're great, until they bind up from being dunked in a river. I won't wade fish with one. 

What makes them bind up?  Both my Ci4+ and my FJ have gone under a few times with no issues.  

10 minutes ago, fishwizzard said:

What makes them bind up?  Both my Ci4+ and my FJ have gone under a few times with no issues.  

It was primarily on older models, but they refused to really address it and therefore, I won't wade with one. I'll use most every other brand without issue.

Go old school ..penn 716z 722z they dont fair to well with braid though but can handle a dunk or 2 id put new drag washers in it ..200 yrd of 6 lb line maybe a little heavy though but would make your  6 3 .eye con tip light wich aint a bad thing for a light action