What are some of the best spinning reels I can buy?
I have been searching online for good reels and I keep finding a ton of different sites that look like they are all copy and pasted from each other with the same reels listed.
I am looking for a new reel and this is my search criteria: Saltwater use on Gulf Coast. Spinning reel is a must. Be able to run minimum 15-20# braided test. Primarily fishing for redfish. Occasionally speckled trout and flounder, as well as possibly some snapper/cobia/ling from the jetties (however unlikely I would still like to stand a chance if I were to hook up on something that size).
Cost isn't really an issue but I'm not going to pay exorbitantly for minimal returns.
I am am looking for a few options and would just like some real people's opinions on this since everyone I fish with is stuck in their ways with the brands they are loyal to.
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by adam_smash
Daiwa BG series are awfully good for the $
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by allthederps
That's one of the brands I've been seeing pop up quite a bit. I'll have to see if I can find a store model to play around with.
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by adam_smash
Also, I would consider the Daiwa Saltist Back Bay if your budget is constrained.
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by Dangerfield85
I agree with you on the BG! I have purchased multiple ranging from the 3000 to lower, but have purchase 2 5000s for my dad in FL. Great reel at the perfect price point. More money doesn't necessarily equate more fish
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by BigToedFool
Lot's of shops recently had good deals on shimano stradic fk's. They're awesome, time tested reels that were really the standard at the $200 price point. I've seen them going for around 150 and they're worth every penny at that price. The new stradic FL's are supposed to be amazing as well but I haven't had my hands on one yet.
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by Pensagain
If you know you're going to stay off the sand, you are willing to freshwater rinse *every* time, and perform the occasional deeper cleaning / greasing I would agree with Daiwa BG 100%. Great reels. Probably a 3000 or 3500. Daiwa spinning reels run big compared to other brand sizes.
If you want to surf fish as well and/or sometimes get sloppy about clean up then go with a Penn Spinfisher vi. The newest series has upgraded seals and will be very forgiving if you forget to wash out. I'd also go to a 4500 if you are going to use it for double duty inshore/surf.
Always try to wash down - it really will extend the life of your equipment.
Good luck.
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by paxjasper
I definitely couldn't promise to stay off the sand but I always rinse my rods and reels whether fresh or salt fishing.
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by adam_smash
If cost is no option, buy a Stella.
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by Vanillathunder80
That was what my comment about exorbitant cost for minimal returns was about :). I'm not that rich...
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by adam_smash
But it’s not exorbitant cost for minimal returns. A Stella might cost you $1000. It will out last anything else. So instead of replacing your reels over time, you don’t have to. In the long run, it’s the best value. Buy one reel once.
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by Vanillathunder80
I just couldn't justify it. The lowest end reels I've owned have lasted 10+ years before breaking and some average Abu Garcia ones that are going strong at 15-20+ years. I know Stella are superior but for something that I'd want being $1000-1500 it's not worth it. I could buy 4-6 higher end reels for the same price as a Stella and get more life out of them than I will even live.
All this goes without mentioning this question, what if it gets stolen?
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by adam_smash
That last bit is what stops me from buying excessively expensive equipment. Fishing equipment seems up there with bicycles for objects that are just profoundly steal-able, especially when you are fishing in a public area with plenty of other folks around.
Also, I'd like to bolster what others are saying and co-recommend the Daiwa BG. I have a 2000 and a 4500 and I can't think of any downsides to em.
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by DanielWaterhorse
Why are you walking off and leaving your fishing gear alone?
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by Vanillathunder80
I don't. And I haven't had anything stolen so far. But good thieves see opportunities others don't recognize. On the off chance something gets stolen I'd don't think I could stomach a thousand dollar loss.
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by DanielWaterhorse
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