Two Reel Recommendations, Please

[Evan K]

It'll be a little while before I can save enough to make the actual purchase, but I'm curious to get the opinions of fellow members here.

I just got a Powell 7'1" ML XF spinning rod that will take over as my finesse rod. I also got a Lucky Craft 7'6" H XF casting rod that I would like to use especially for swimbaits (1-3 oz) and other general heavy applications. It'll be my first time fishing swimbaits.

What reels would you use for these setups? What's currently in your arsenal that matches these and how do you like it?

I've been considering a Shimano Saros 2500 size reel for the spinning setup, and either a Shimano Cardiff or Lews Super Duty casting reel for the casting setup.

Thanks!

Edit: forgot to mention my budget. $150 for each is absolute tops.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

A 5500c3 abu garcia will work for the SBR .the reel will outlast the rod and lots of trouble free fishing.they run about 130$ or you can look for a used one in good shape from about 40$ to $80 bucks .load it with some 15 big game and your all set

[faygo1979]

I am not a bit swim bait person  But I really like the okuma citrix 350  it is a lower profile reel that seems to do well with bigger baits.  I throw some swim baits and larger pike and musky baits on it with out any issues.

 

For the spinning reel  I would have to buck the trend and recommend a quantum reel  I like Accurist and the Energy  reels myself.  I own some of the new Mitchell,  some Shiminos,  a pflueger president  and a Diawa.  In this range the Quantums seem to a little nicer to fish with.

[Raul]

10 hours ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

A 5500c3 abu garcia will work for the SBR .the reel will outlast the rod and lots of trouble free fishing.they run about 130$ or you can look for a used one in good shape from about 40$ to $80 bucks .load it with some 15 big game and your all set

^^^^^^Pretty much this.

[WRB]

The Cardiff 300 series reel is ideally suited for swimbaits.

Shimano 1000 or 2000 series spinning reels within your budget (Sahara FE) are all good choices.

Happy New and good fishing.

Tom

[Robert Riley]

I'd recommend the Lew's BB2 Pro, especially the pro part as it includes the brake dial. For the spinning rod, you might still be able to find the Team Lews for like 40% off.

[Evan K]

Thanks for the recommendations, everyone!

I saw the Lew's spinning reel for a pretty cheap price. It looks good but I'm a little hesitant it'll be quite what I want for the new Powell.

[SMITTY0045]

The Shimano Cardiff would definitely be a good pick for the swim bait rod, it is really one of the only swim bait reels that won't break the bank, but is still high quality. I would also look into the Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning reel. It fits your budget, and in my opinion they make some of the best spinning reels available

[Sam]

The smallest size reel you feel confident for casting, fighting and landing the fish.

Shimano or Diawa reels are very good.

[edfitzvb]

For the baitcasting reel, I like Lew's but the Abu Garcia 5500C is a reel that lasts FOREVER. I no longer have one but retain good memories. For the spinning reel, I have a Shimano Saros that I like if you want to spend the money. I don't know that I would say it is TWICE as nice as the Pflueger President reel that I also own. For bang for the buck, Pflueger makes a nice product.

[Crestliner2008]

I concur with what has been said about the Ambassadeurs. Great bc reels. As far as the reel for your spinning rod goes, take a serious look at the Pflueger President in 2530 size, or the Trion if you want to save a few bucks, also in the 30 size. I have a really nice Berkley Lightning SHOCK rod in ML, 7'6" matched with the President and it's one sweet rig for smallmouths.

[benzmech]

I am a huge fan of shimano and lews. For swimbaits I have a lews super duty and 2 shimano cardiffs. Both are great but for bigger swimbaits I prefer the cardiff. As far as spinning reels I would says hands down shimano. I have a saros and 3 stradics that are a work horse. The drag on them is great and they are super smooth. My lews spinning reels is nice but I don't think they are as refined as shimano. As far as regular casting reels go I have about twice as many lews reels and prefer them over most of my shimanos. Hope this helps.

[kickerfish1]

When the money is there you may want to try to buy used but in excellent shape. Shimano has discontinued the Stradic FJ in favor of the FK. The FJ is one of the best reels I have used. They we're being discounted for well under $150. You could try posting a wanted to buy add in the flea market to see if there are any to be had. I have seen them sell for under $140 in excellent to mint condition. 

The Saros is a great reel too but not quite as a nice as a Stradic. You should be able to get one for about $125. 

As a Shimano fan I would suggest staying away from the under $100 options due to the binding issues. 

[collinfiske_RFC]

I love the Quantum PT spinning reel. it retails at 99.99 and hands down is the smoothest spinning reel I have ever used. If you are looking for a cheaper option, I also use a Pfleuger Presidential. I have had it now for a couple years and it casts very smooth for a reel under 50$. For throwing swim baits a Lew's Super Duty will be plenty. I personally use a Shimano Curado 300 but fish with guys who will die by their Lew's reels.

[Sheepdog]

Don't know if you've made your choices, but I'll give you my two cents on this one...

Lew's all the way for the bait casting reel. The Super Duty is made for heavy cranking applications. Check around to find the right price, or save the money on my spinning suggestions to put towards a new one.

Spinning, you can STILL get a Quantum EXO half price($100), size 15 or 25 at a store that starts with the same three letters as "schtick" and rhymes with "reels".(Not sure what vendors are mention friendly, but don't want to offend anyone) Anyone looking for a smoking deal on a spinning reel can thank me later. If you don't want to go with Quantum, I'd go with Pfleuger supreme mg or supreme XT. I have the same Powell rod, Max 3D 7' ML, with the supreme mg. AMAZING setup. I sold all my Shimano reels, Sahara, Saros, Stradic FI & FJ due to weight. If you don't mind heavy, they are fantastic reels. Super smooth and durable, but my arm thanks me on long days for going with my lighter Pfleuger reels. If I were to get another Shimano, the only one I'd consider is the Stradic Ci4, but it's quite a ways out of your price range.

I know I'm kinda late to the game on this one, but hopefully this helps.

[KDW96]

On 12/31/2015 at 10:36 PM, Maxximus Redneckus said:

A 5500c3 abu garcia will work for the SBR .the reel will outlast the rod and lots of trouble free fishing.they run about 130$ or you can look for a used one in good shape from about 40$ to $80 bucks .load it with some 15 big game and your all set

Since your in no hurry,id look around for a good used 5500c3. I also use a 4600c3 and have no issues with it. But i only throw 4in swing impacts with it. Anything bigger, ill grab my 5500c3.

[Evan K]

Thanks all! I wound up taking advantage of a bizarre Tackle Warehouse deal and got a Stradic ci4+ for $147. Still thinking about the baitcaster though.