Good river reels

[Dwreck]

I'll be using a ML rod and am wondering what would be a better reel for fishing small rivers with small spinners, small crankbaits and tubes.  Last year I used a cheap quantum reel and would like to try something else.  Looking to spend near $50.   Thanx

[pitchin fool]

Shimano and Daiwa make really smooth, reliable middle grade reels that I think you should definately look at. If you save your money from now until opener, in minnesota it isn't until may, you could probably buy a nice upper grade model. Something to think about and you will feel that much more confident in your equipment.

[SmallieFever]

I have a Shimano Sedona that I use primarily for ice fishing.  I think it costs 59.99 most places. The drag is super smooth, which is very important for fishing lite line.  I caught some big perch and some nice bass with mine this winter.  If you want to spend a little more the Shimano Symetre is an overall better version of the Sedona.  I have owned a few and was very satisfied.

[RandySBreth]

I know a few folks who swear by the Pflueger President reels. They're about 60$ or so, and seem pretty solid.

[Crestliner2008]

Well, I happen to be a Shimano fan myself. Unfortunately, last year they "improved" the Sahara model - raising the price another $20.00!  > However, if you go on eBay, I'm sure you can find a 2500 series Sahara or Symetre for around the $50. mark or less.

If you get one of these reels, you've got all you will ever need. 

[bear7625]

I found a couple of good sellers on eBay. I bought 2 Quantum Accurist PTs, brand new in the box, for $50 each.

[River_angler]

Abu Garcia Cardinal 502 or 503 ALBi

[Grey Wolf]

Trion Pflueger for 40.00 . The best cheap reel out there. JMHO

[Dwreck]

haha, ok so everybody has a different opinion...  Thats ok, I think I was leaning towards an Abu Garcia, Shimano, or Daiwa. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I know a few folks who swear by the Pflueger President reels. They're about 60$ or so, and seem pretty solid.

x2- They can be found at wally-world for $55 8-)

[Smiths.R]

I have a Daiwa Regal XiA.  It's only $50 bucks, and I think it's awesome.  Super smooth, comes with an extra spool.  The Daiwa people are great, I've never had a problem with them.  For $50 bucks, I don't think you can beat it.

[retiredbosn]

For river reels working cranks I like a high line take up, IPT.  The reason is I always work with the current, I throw up stream and retrieve down, the river I fish has a pretty quick current, so I have to overcome that to impart the correct action to the bait.  Working with the current always produces better fish imo, the fish typically face into the current, so to bring the bait  to the fish in the most natural way I work with the current not against it.  Basspro spinning reels have an increased diameter on the spool and bring in 28-31 IPT.  Good luck

[ol cutbait]

mitchell 300 xe from walmart. $40.00, super smooth, super tight and lays line better than $100.00 dollar reels I own.

[WV_Eagle]

I'll second the Daiwa X1A. Reel solid reel for the price (and on sale at cabela's last I checked for $50).

I also agree with the Pflueger President. Very good reel for the price.

Both reels are solid, smooth and haven't give me any problems. The Daiwa in particular I find to be a good casting reel.

[AndrewVT]

Daiwa exceler, you can pick them up on e-bay for about $60 (just a hair over your budget).  For a 7' rod I use a 2500.  For 6'6" and under, a 2000 might balance better so you might want to check.

[trevor]

haha, ok so everybody has a different opinion... Thats ok, I think I was leaning towards an Abu Garcia, Shimano, or Daiwa.

I would say Shimano or Daiwa, but Ive never had an Abu Garcia. Had a mitchell and it was awesome, until i messed it up.

[Crookedneck]

my bid goes to the Pflueger President.  Smooth, long casting and tough.  Hard to beat for the price.  My 2 cents

[BassThumb]

A good reel is a good reel, regardless of wheher it's a lake, river, or stream that you're fishing.  I'd recommend scouring the net for deals on Shimano, and maybe consider bumping up the target price range a bit.

[iceintheveins]

I generally use spinning gear for river smallies with 6 - 10 pound test line. I like Abu Garcia Cardinals and Shimano Saharas that are big enough to handle the line I want to use. Use flexible rods for cranks, spinners, and topwaters, and a stiff rod for tubes and grubs and other plastics.