Thread: Spinning reel recommendations

I have a few recommendations. 1st, Let me preface this with the type line I use. I normally use Mr Crappie Hi-Vis but it does have memory which contributes to tangles. However, it is inexpensive and lets me spool 12-14 reels without busting the budget. And, I go through a bunch (relatively) of it with many snags on the laydowns/underwater structure I fish. Disclaimer: I know this may turn into a "line" recommendation thread. But you asked about reels.

I have various spinning reels of different quality. What I have found is the ultra light "25" spool size reels contributes to tangles and exacerbates the memory issue with the small spool. Over time, I have transitioned to larger "30-35" size reels. I think it lessons/mitigates the memory issue and it allows for more line on the reels.

I have three makes of reels I like. Pflueger (president/supreme), Abu Garcia, and Shakespeare. The more you are willing to spend the better the quality. My favorite is Pflueger. I started with their baitcasters for bass/salmon/steelhead fishing. Don't get me wrong, I like really like my small ultra lite reels, but I think you will be better served going up one size. Good luck, and hope this helps.

Spaceman,

Thanks, that's the kinda data I was looking for. I never thought about spool size, but that makes perfect sense. I have never paid much attention to spool size but armed with this information, this helps narrow down the field. After doing a little research, I found the Pflueger President to be a favorite. I think I'll go to Cabelas tomorrow and spin a few. Kinda looking at Shimano but I'm certainly open to other makers. I'm going to need 4 to replace the reels I have now as they crap out. I guess with all the plastics these days, 4-5 years service is probably the best that can be expected. Back in high school I had a Garcia 300 that was a tank. Wish reels would last like the older ones.

As to spool size you mentioned, is that the "retrieve per crank, in inches"?

Forgot, I have some Shimano's and like them. Still my personal favorite is Pflueger. I guess it is sorta like the Ford/Chevy thing.

Another recommendation, if you are not already aware. When you re-spool. Find a place to pull all the line from your reel (with nothing tied on) then rewind the line with a damp cloth or light finger pressure. This can help get the twists out of the line...twisted line on a spinning reels presents problems.

Thanks for the tip. I'll do that. As of recent, I'll been spooling a cheaper, but equally rated, backer on the spools to about 1/2 way out and then tying on the line I'm going to throw. Gives me about 60 yards of the line I like most, which is about 20-25 yards beyond what I can throw with the jigs I use.

I own some Abu Garcias and few Mitchell's but fixing to swap over to Pflueger presidents with the bigger spool. They are nice reels and I have had good luck with their reels in the passed.

Thanks for the recommendation.

No problem keep us posted on what you get and how you like it.

I like the presidents also but when in cabelas take a look at their cabelas branded reels, specifically at their spool sizes. I don't know if they offer them but I have to Bass pro, Johnny Morris labeled reels that have much larger spools than the standard. The work about as good and smooth as my president but lot less line memory.