Hi folks,

I've been fishing for a few years.  Mostly on vacations.  The mindless mode mostly but for some reason it just started to click and I've been bitten by the bug! I've been reading and watching everything I can find on bass fishing.  I found this forum which looks like a great place to be for a bass angler.

I have a nice rod, a Browning Midas Boron 6'6" spinning rod.  It was actually given to me.  I'd like to buy a new reel that suits such a good rod. The choices are staggering!!  I'd like to spend $50-$75.  I'd like some recommendations from you experienced folks.

Thanks for any help.

gordon

Stick with the name brands and you cannot go wrong.

Guys on this site will give you more details as to which individual reels they like; but the truth is that all of the name brand rees are excellent and you can't go wrong.

Be sure the reel can operate with 10 pound test.  If you want to use a higher test or braid then you may have to go over $100 for a really reilable reel.

I like the Shimano reels.  My friend, a retired bass guide loves the Abu Garcia.  Others on this site swear by Pfluger (spelling) and I know Daiwa reels are very, very good.

May I suggest you consider the ratios and if you want a reel to go fast (6:1 or 7:1) or slow (5:1).

And consider how you will be fishing.  If plastics, jigs and tubes and doing lots of pitching and flipping, you need a reel that will allow you to set that hook hard and then have a good drag to get the fish to the shore or boat.

If you throw a lot of spinnerbaits or crankbaits or Chatterbaits you may want a higher ratio so that you do not tire yourself out reeling in the bait all day.

Take the advice of the other guys on this site and then go out and get that reel.  

The Bait Monkey awits you.

Welcome aboard!

Shimano is revamping their line-up which will result in some significant discounts on current stock.Their best reel at your pricing point is the Symetre 2500. If you are patient, I think you might be able to find the Stradic 2500FH close to the level you are wanting to pay. Both of these are outstanding reels that have earned  a reputation for superior performance and durability.

Good advice roadwarrior.

Falcon

Welcome aboard!

Shimano is revamping their line-up which will result in some significant discounts on current stock.Their best reel at your pricing point is the Symetre 2500. If you are patient, I think you might be able to find the Stradic 2500FH close to the level you are wanting to pay. Both of these are outstanding reels that have earned  a reputation for superior performance and durability.

If you can get the stradic 2500 , by all means, GET IT. If I find one for between $50-$75 i'm buying another one.

If you can find a last years Daiwa Capricor (silver, not the new orange ones) somewhere ,you should buy it. I got 2 of them in clearance for about $80 each. They are great, great reels with excellent reviews. I suppose the new model ( orange)should be good too, but I don't own any and I waven't seen any reviews. I don't like their colour  .

On the other hand, you can't go wrong with a Shimano Symetre (I own one).

Take it as a geat concession from a Daiwa guy :-/

Thanks for all of the great advice.  I'll keep my eyes open for the sales at BassPro.  There's so many great options.  

Am I right in assuming that the number of ball bearings isn't as relevant as how they're placed etc?  I see some nice reels at the $50 price point with 10-11 bearings yet some of the higher priced Shimanos have 5 or 6.

Thanks for all of the great advice. I'll keep my eyes open for the sales at BassPro. There's so many great options.

Am I right in assuming that the number of ball bearings isn't as relevant as how they're placed etc? I see some nice reels at the $50 price point with 10-11 bearings yet some of the higher priced Shimanos have 5 or 6.

Browning rods are fantastic. I have several Medallions and a couple of Citoris.

Don't overlook their reels. I have a couple of Medallions and a Citori and they are my favorite spinning reels (and I own a Shimano, too). I've never had any problem with them, whatsoever, ever. My Medallion outfits give yoeman service. Their Midas reels are very nice, if a bit pricey.