Hey yall, I'm just getting back into bass fishing again after fishing saltwater mostly for the past couple of years. I know how to use a bait caster and was wondering what casting reel I should get next. I want something that I can use for medium 7'-7'6 rods and plan on catching mostly bass and the occasional pike/panfish. I plan to get it used if possible and realistically under $150. I was thinking about the shimano or daiwas.

You have a PM.

 

For the Daiwas and Shimanos 150 and under,

1. Daiwa Fuego CT $120, this is what i use for stuff like spinnerbaits/frogging. This reel is very tough and fishes some rough areas.

2. Daiwa Tatula CT $150, similar to the Fuego but more refined and the T wing added (in my opinion the T wing does cast farther). This is my main go to for reels.

3. Shimano SLX $100, very basic in the SLX line but a really good reel if your on the budget side of the SLX platform.

4. Shimano SLX XT $130, like the Fugeo VS Tatula this is definetly worth the upgrade from the base model. The external brakes arent needed but good to have in wind/if you change lures alot.

5. Shimano SLX MGL 70 $150, idk how much you know about the MGL spool but its a shallower spool (holds less line) but this reels main selling point is to be able to cast lighter lures far, but then be able to do some flipping/pitching as well. This reel isnt a do all reel for most, but its a very nice reel and if you like throwing lighter jig paddle tails, jerkbaits, weightless soft plastics or flipping pitching some heavier stuff. Very versatile reel but more for certain stuff.

These reels used are around 25% cheaper (or more) than new. But if your max is $150 these will do anything you want for bass/pike and come new with a warranty.