Time To Upgrade

[WVbassin87]

So, I've decided to upgrade from my zebco 33 in the near future. I need some recommendations in the CHEAP range ($20-$30 you can get at Walmart) to get me started more seriously. I bought a Berkeley spinning combo once, but after 3 casts managed a tangle in the line that ended my trip prematurely and I returned it. Been fishing all my life, but I figure if I wanna get serious, and maybe increase my odds on the bank, I need something better.

[ABW]

If you want to become a more serious fisherman, I would suggest you invest a little more into your combo. 30 dollars is only going to give you a lot of frustration due to low quality gear.

[WVbassin87]

I would, but I don't have a lot of extra cash. Being a dad, and sometimes being lucky to have anything left over after bills and household needs, all fishing gear is bought with saved up spare change.

[ABW]

I would, but I don't have a lot of extra cash. Being a dad, and sometimes being lucky to have anything left over after bills and household needs, all fishing gear is bought with saved up spare change.

I understand. What you can do is save a little more money, and then buy yourself a 60-70 dollar spinning combo. I know our Walmart has some decent spinning combos for around that price range. I used to have an Abu Garcia combo that only cost 60 dollars but it served me well.

[Bluebasser86]

Pfluegar offers some of the nicest budget combos you can get. If you can swing it, the Pfluegar Trion combos are very nice for $60. 

[Sam]

Check the upcoming July 4th sales.

Anything Shimano will do.

Go with a spinning rig if possible as it is easy to learn how to use it.

Also check out yard sales in your area. I have a Quantum cranking stick I got for $5 and I use it for pond fishing and fun fishing on rivers and lakes.

[smalljaw67]

I'll echo the same thing, $30 and serious doesn't go together when fishing reels are concerned, unfortunately you get what you pay for and unless there is something discontinued for a new version. If you only got $30 then I suggest you look at Cabelas or Bass Pro shops and wait until they have a no minimum $5 dollar shipping or free shipping and get one of their $30 dollar reels because if they fail within the first year those two places will take them back. If it was me I would just put some money aside and be patient, if you really want something better just keep saving until you can get a reel that isn't a one season disposable and for $30 that is pretty much what you get.