What is a good dependable spinning reel

[Pat Magee]

20lbs of max drag on the Stradic FK will be just fine for me.  It is also one less thing that can break too! 

[DADAKOTA]

Around the County lakes up here I see folks back reeling all the time.  Bout the only way they get their line in as they hold the pole so the spinning reel is on top.

[Smallieguy87]

 

Around the County lakes up here I see folks back reeling all the time.  Bout the only way they get their line in as they hold the pole so the spinning reel is on top.

That just makes me cringe haha. What's even better is when they have it mounted on a bait casting rod so there's this random trigger just out there in the breeze.....but hey at least they're out fishing.

[MOPanfisher]

Only spinning reels I still have confidence in are the Pfleuger Presidents (great for the price) and one Abu Soron, that thing is a tank, bought it used from a buddy who didn't like it.  I figured the Presidents for a couple years worth of action but still using them 5 or so years later.  Given a good price I will buy a couple and put on the shelf.  Seems like whenever I find a reel I like they go and change the dang thing and raise the price.  Unless something were to change drastically I have owned my last Shimano, it is a Stradic and was good for many years, but does the binding thing even after taking it to Bass Pro reel repair center, and of course they raised the price on them.

[Smalls21]

 

Pflueger President - check on E-Bay for a better price. I used Mitchel 308's for 30+ years but I think Pfluegers are better.

Anyone want to buy 2 or 3 308's?

how much are you asking for those 308's?

[DownStream]

Well folks, my search is over. Ended up buying a Lews tournament carbon hs combo. It just felt right in my hand, and has an oversized spool to reduce line twist.  Retails at $99 and was marked down to $70 and with a gift card got it for $50. Now let's just fhope it stands the test of time. Thank again for the advice.

[tho1mas]

Smalls21 -PM sent.

[timinmo]

It would seem to me this horse is killed on a fairly regular basis.  Just for fun I am going to continue beating it.  I just went to the garage and there are about 6 Stradics including one C14.  There are about the same number of higher end Daiwas, of various vintages and models.  I bought the Daiwas after experiencing the previously noted binding problems on the Shimanos.  I do not own a President but it seems to me comparing a $60 reel to any reel that lists for over $100 or $200 is not a fair comparison.  I work at a sporting goods store in the St. Louis area and without the figures to support the statement I would guess we sell more Presidents than any other spinning reel.  Many of our regular customers have bought numerous ones.  They must be doing something right, I think it is a very good reel for the money.

As an aside I have two adult sons who store their fishing gear at my house, so not all that equipment is mine.  

The Daiwa reels I own have been bullet proof and I will continue buying them   

[cmoore03]

I switched from Mitchell 408's to Zebco Cardinal 3's in the mid-70's. Never an issue and never looked for anything else. They have given 40 years of service and bring a premium on EBay. Real hard to beat.  CM

[jig&pig]

I have had good luck with the Bass Pro Pro Qualifier. I have 2 older PQ20's that are 15 years old.