I'm looking to buy a new ultralight spinning reel. Is there anything decent for about $40 or less? Thanks.

I'm looking to buy a new ultralight spinning reel. Is there anything decent for about $40 or less? Thanks.

My UL setup had a pflueger president 6720 I believe it is and its around. Paired great with my UL rod for trout.

x2. I had a Shakespeare Sigma 025 on my UL rod for the past 25 years or so and just this year switched it out for the Pflueger President 6720. While it's possible to find the 6720 for a low-$40s price - a more typical retail on it will be mid-40s to about 50 clams.

If you have to stay under $40 you could get a Pfluegar Trion but it is a big step from a Trion to a President and I would save the extra $10 and get the President. The only thing I don't like is the tiny little wooden handle but you get used to it.

My favorite is the Shimano Sahara but that's $80. For $18 you can try the BPS TinyLite Reel.

Bass Pro Shops TinyLite Spinning Reel

Most any 500 sized Shimano for me.

I went 17 years on a 500 TX, caught a 5.25lb Smallie and a 6lb LM on it. I only replaced it when the bail spring went 2 years ago. I figured I got my $$$ from it and upgraded to a Sedona 500 new from ebay for $40.

Thanks guys. I do have a Plueger Trion medium action reel that I really like. I'll check into a Pflueger Ultralight reel.

...The only thing I don't like is the tiny little wooden handle but you get used to it.

Yeah - I'm not a fan of the wooden handle knobs on the larger President models myself. However, and interestingly, the little 6720 model comes with a nifty rubber knob (that would work pretty good on the larger models as well).

In the photo - the rubber knob is on a President 6720 - the wood knob is on a 6730.

I too have the President 6720 its a great little reel I have it on a St Croix Premier UL 4'6" rod. Its brought in a few 15"-16" lmb and a couple 20" catfish. Im looking at trying 4# Nanofil line on it but just waiting for more reviews.

I also tried the BPS Micro-lite Elite reel but it had issues with sticking not very smooth so returned it and thats when I got the President.

My reel actually was a combo but I like both. The BPS Micro lite Elite. I paid $40 for the combo 5' rod when was on sale. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-reg-Micro-Lite-trade-Elite-Spinning-Reels/product/104138/-1543389 The reel goes for $40 and the combo is $60. I landed 2.8 bowfin with no problem. the best I have on it so far. There's even times when I'm catching dinks I will take out the combo and wacky rig with it.

Try the Browning Superlight from Bass Pro. The reel is around $30, and the combo is around $50, but I managed to find the combo on sale for $30. The reel has served me well the past few months I've used it. Wonderful for panfish and small bass, even small catfish can be landed on it. the rod is pretty sturdy, but the cork handles begin to wear off after a few fishing trips. All in all it's a decent combo though.

Another reel to consider is the Mitchell Avocet Gold II 500 size. NOT the silver. It runs about $35 at BPS. Pretty smooth, and seems sturdy. I landed a 6lb LM on one last year no problem. Probably not up to the President standards, but if you're looking to stay under $40....

Another reel to consider is the Mitchell Avocet Gold II 500 size. NOT the silver. It runs about $35 at BPS. Pretty smooth, and seems sturdy. I landed a 6lb LM on one last year no problem. Probably not up to the President standards, but if you're looking to stay under $40....

X2, nice little real for $30.

The Shimano Sahara I have in the flea market lol

I love the President but if you want a little cheaper you may look at the Abu Garcia Cardinal 100-series . I've put mine through heck and it has held up very well.

Pinnacle Deadbolt, <$30 as I recall. And a 4'10" rod to match. Makes 1/2lb crappie feel like 2 or 3 lbs

EDIT meant to say Tiny Deadbolt!