Durable multi-use bait caster between $100-$150

[FishDewd]

52 minutes ago, G-Man Outdoors said:

Thanks so much for the code! Much appreciated

My dad has a Lew's inshore series and he loves it. I figured more Lew's fans would show up but apparently Diawa seems to be taking the cake

Actually, I do have a Lew's reel I really like, but it's an open face spinner reel. I had about $100 budget when looking for one from a 2000 to 300o size, but I wanted one as small as possible for lighter applications. It ended up between a Shimano something-or-another and a Lew's Mach II Speed Spin. Local store had both in a 2500 size for $75 but not the 2000 or 3000 sizes. What sold me on the Lew's was that it was smoother than the Shimano at the same price point, and it had toggleable anti-reverse which the Shimano did not. I kind of like that feature... so I ended up with the Lew's and I've enjoyed the heck out of it. Only thing I'd like to modify on it is to one day replace the flelt drag washers with some carbon fibers ones, but the drag on it is actually pretty good as it is. Been real happy with it, it's caught a lot of fish. You can often find the rod and reel combo for it for about $90-100, but I already had a Lew's American Hero SS rod to put it on.

 

Moral is, you should consider looking at their baitcasters cause I bet they are pretty fine reels as well.. Not to mention they come with those sweet Winn grips.

[BrackishBassin]

2 hours ago, Tywithay said:

With that Prettyday code they have on ebay through the 26th, you can actually get some really nice deals on Lew's reels. They have the Tourney Pros, Hyper Mag, etc., for right around your budget.

How do you search just for the reels it applies to?

[je1946]

Another option is a used Shimano baitcaster.  Some fabulous deals to be had no good quality reels.  I actually prefer the used Curado's and Chronarchs with the older brakes on them.  You can go on youtube and learn how to clean or replace the bearings, very easy to do.  If you can locate an older Curado 100D that reel will last you a lifetime and it's bullet proof takes a lick'n and keeps on tick'n   Yes the new reels are lighter but you can find a Curado D for around $100 or less and trust me you'll have a great reel.

[AggieBassin10]

Still gman, just had to change my screen name. Sorry about that 

[Falkus]

On 3/23/2018 at 12:16 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:

You can get a Curado 70 7.2 on eBay right now for $144.

Love the small profile ! I have like 3 Curado 70.

[Shimano_1]

My fishing partner uses all daiwas.  While I agree they are sweet reels for the money, I much prefer lews.  Tournament pro g's and mb's are both excellent reels that can be had in your budget on fleabay. Lots of good options in that price range

[LionHeart]

Have 3 Lews Tournament MB reels and they are excellent.  You can get them from Sportsman Outfitters for $109.   With all the love on the Tatula CT, I plan to get one on my next setup.  IMO a 7 speed (31 inch per turn) can do most things well.