I was out fishing yesterday, when I noticed the bail on my Daiwa Samurai started to automatically close whenever I would try to make a cast - so that's a downer.  I really enjoy fishing small lines/small reels, be it for bass, trout, panfish, whatever.

I have stared at the reel trying to see how to fix it, but was curious to know two things - is there a way to fix it easily?  It feels as if the screw holding it into position is tight, so I don't know if that's the actually problem.

And two, if not easily fixable, what would be the best reel to get for under $40 or so?  I like the Abu Garcia Cardinal 100, as it seems to be of solid construction and smooth feel.

I know with my small budget advice may be hard to come by, but anything is greatly appreciated.

Daryl

Pflueger 4725X Trion I have mine for a few years problem free and it was 40 bucks I have caught a lot of pan fish with this and truthfully i dont take care of it like my Bass stuff and it is just as good as when i bought it 3 years ago here is the Link to it on BPS site

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=58697&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

That garcia is a nice one smooth and a nice line lay for small lines i have a few of um they handle 4 lb XT really well .

yes, the abu garcia is a good choice for the money you pay!

I don't buy very expensive equipment for panfish, just wal-mart stuff. I had an older Daiwa UL reel on a UL Berkley Lighting rod for about 12 years, and the reel just started getting rough so I tossed it (that reel was a $20 reel). I picked up the Abu Garcia 101, that thing only lasted a week, the line guide bearing failed,  and the thing just twisted line like crazy. Took it back and bought a Shakespere Catera 3725 UL reel, that was 3 years ago, the reel is in great shape, and I have done zilch to it for maintance, been a good reel for $25, I have landed probably a dozen 2-3lb bass on that rig too, drag is very good.

Check out the Tica Cetus SB500 spinning reel. I've used them for a couple of years. They are really great little reels.