Cheap reels

[JMT]

Anyone know of any high quality casting reels for $100 dollars or less? Im looking for something that can cast light lures far and still hold up on big fish.

[Fish4bigfish]

Daiwa tatula brand new on eBay can be had for under 100. For that price they can't be beat!

[DenhamBruce]

Agreed get a Tatula CT

[crypt]

abu pro max3…got 2 of em….love em.

[Stingray23]

Tatula CT

[MassYak85]

lews lfs speed spool

[fishnkamp]

I love my Diawa Tatulas which can be purchased new for $100 (regular retail $150) but if you can find a Diawa Exceller they can be purchased on sale for $60 and they normally retail for $100.  Gander Mountain has the Exceller left handed reels for $75 right now but twice this spring they were $60. These reels are not the lightest but darn reliable and really smooth. These reels are available in right hand and left hand retrieve and in multiple retrieve ratios.4.9, 6.3 and 7.3 

When you say casting a "lite lure" how lite are we talking?

Here are some places to look:  https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-TATULA100H-6-3-Medium-Action/dp/B00F2OOJ7O/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1468186666&sr=1-2&keywords=diawa+tatula

and https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-EXE100HA-Exceller-Bait-Cast/dp/B00DFSN6BY/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1468186777&sr=1-2&keywords=diawa+Exceller

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Exceler-Baitcast-Reel-Right-Hand-EXE100HA-/181816837358?hash=item2a5520c4ee:g:mQgAAOSw~gRVt89X

[NYBasser]

Shimano Casitas isnt too bad for the price

[tstraub]

I love my H2O Xpress Mettles I throw frogs on one and 1/8 oz bettle spins, which probably weight close to 1/4 oz including the blade and plastic, on another.  The mettle sells for about $60 and frequently goes on sale for less.  The reels the other guys are suggesting might be better if you want to go to the top of your budget I have never used them.  

[Bruce424]

Pro max 3. Only comes in a 7:1 though

[jtharris3]

Lews LFS Speed Spool or a Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier. Both excellent reels!

[S. Sass]

8 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

lews lfs speed spool

 

27 minutes ago, jtharris3 said:

Lews LFS Speed Spool or a Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier. Both excellent reels!

^^^ This all day. Great reels at a respectable price.  

PQ 5-Year Challenge

[timsford]

depends on your definition of lightweight lure..  A tatula or tatula ct is about the best  reel i know of available at that price. There arent many reels that can cast under 1/4oz or so effectively, let alone under 100 bucks. If you are trying to go lighter than that, you would be better off using spinning tackle imo

 

[new2BC4bass]

55 minutes ago, timsford said:

depends on your definition of lightweight lure..  A tatula or tatula ct is about the best  reel i know of available at that price. There arent many reels that can cast under 1/4oz or so effectively, let alone under 100 bucks. If you are trying to go lighter than that, you would be better off using spinning tackle imo

 

X2.  If you are looking for 1/8 oz. or less just any reel won't do....for most of us.  Some guys have no problem, but I'm not that good.  New:  I couldn't recommend a reel for $100 or less.  (Might be some available that will, but I haven't tried them.)  Used:  I cast 3/16 oz. crankbaits a fair distance with my old gold colored Carbonlltes.  One of the original model Prolites would handle lighter baits than that with no problem.  Both can be found for quite a bit less than $100.

My top pick for a used reel for light baits costing $150 or less would be one of the older Pixies.  They are the standard against which other reels are compared when it comes to light baits.  It wasn't that long ago that one found for about $250 was a good price.  The Scorpion 4x4 SVS might be able to do it, but I have yet to try a light lure with mine yet.  Probably other options, but I would have to be Bill Gates to try them all. 

EDIT:  Used you could also look at the older Abu round reels in 1600 size and smaller.  Don't know how light my 1600C will go, but it handles a small fluke and 3/0 hook very well.

[Fishes in trees]

The rule of thumb concerning bait casting reels is that you get what you pay for.  Trying to cast "light " lures on an inexpensive bait caster can be a challenge.  The first question is "how light"   Second question is "Why?"  Inexpensive spinning gear can do a decent job of casting light lures, with much less coin outlay.

Be mindful that the bait caster is just half the equation for casting light lures.  You will need the right rod also to experience any success and even at the entry level for that style of rod, it ain't cheap, unless you stumble  across something in a close out bin that works for you.

I'd re-evaluate the question into something like, "Which bait caster can I get that will meet most of my needs that wil last a long time?"  There are many choices in the $100 to $200  range.   What  brands do your buddies use?  Go with that.

[greentrout]

Quantum Team KVD Performance Tuned Baitcast Reel 79.99

[Bluebasser86]

H2O Mettle. I have 3 and didn't pay more than $40 for any of them.