I just won some money from my friends, but I don't want to spend it all on a reel...what's the best reel i can get for around 50 bucks...max is $75

Baicasting or spinning?

Shimano Sahara> $59.99.  My brother got one at Dicks on sale for $48.00.  Just keep your eyes open.

If you're going for a spinning reel I would recommend a Shimano Sahara. I have had one for several years and have been nothing but pleased with it. It goes for 59.99 a BPS. Here is the link. I have the SH2500FB- it seems to be a good mix between size and line capacity. Hope this helps.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_53106_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

That Shimano looks great. It is hard to believe what $60 will get you with todays manufacturing techniques. My first reel was a Mitchell 300 original. It was considered a quality reel in its day, but it would be a piece of junk by todays standards. This reel would have been worth hundreds back then. ' course, it doesn't double as an anchor as well. ;D

I would definitely go with the shimano sahara, i know its a little over your budget but i own a couple myself and they work great. Has a real smooth drag and a 6.0:1 gear ratio. Or you can go with the shimano sedona ($49.99), its basically the same except your looking at a 5.2:1 gear ratio. I do own a few of both that i use for different kinds of fish species and they work great.

I have also used em in saltwater and have caught sheephead, barracuda, perch, calico, sandbass... etc and they perform real great. I know there not the best but they perform very well and can take a nice beating.

i vote sahara also  i use them for ice fishing and they hold up real well

shimano sahara...i love mine.for the price it cant be beaten

one more vote for shimano sahara 2500

sedona or sahara. both great reels.

sorry for not replying but yes i was looking for a spinning reel, thanks for all the suggestions 8-)

Now that I see everyone saying Shimano Sahara I may have to get one myself. But here is another suggestion just in case. I have all three Mitchell 300 series reels and am pleased with them but since I've never had the Shimano I can't compare the two. Maybe someone else can if they read this. The Mitchells go for 35 bucks apiece.

no offense to RVR but unless you are desperate I'd stay away from the Mitchell's. I've had problems with 2 or 3 of them and for what they want for those I'd stay away. I don't own one but with the number of Sahara votes sounds like a possibility. Very few people have complained about any Shimano's from what I read.

If you could squeeze $10 more out you could buy a  Pflueger President. I'd almost bet that on E-bay you could find this in your price range. I've even found the Shimano Symetre for $60 which is a step or 2 above the Sahara. People rave about the Symetre, I own one and it is a very good reel for the money. I'm talking about E-bay pricing for brand new in a box not used. It is a little riskier but..???

Ok I'm going to Dicks right now to get a Sahara to see what all the fuss is about. I'll put my Yo-Zuri soft hybrid on it when it comes in and let ya'll know how it did when I hang the big one.

Let's see...$50 reels, lots of people like the snoopy spincast reels, but I've always been partial to the Mickey Mouse...My fishing buddy likes the Donald Duck alot though  ;D

Just bought a Shimano Sahara at Dicks for $39.99 minus 10% for my Dicks club card and I added a few other things to total $50 and got $10 off with a coupon in my local (PA) fishing guide.

I already owned the Sahara 1500 and I love it!

Vince

I'm officially ticked. Vince, I had to pay full price for my 2500 at Dicks and also have a card. I love the reel, but am always looking for a bargain. When did you buy it? Can I get the same deal next time?