I picked up a couple of the Feild and Stream reels that Dicks sells (not sure who manufactures them). They are in your price range, and after two seasons of bluegill fishing with them, I have nothing but good things to say about them. They area priced, right, they have a very smooth drag, they are balanced well. 10 bearings for around 30 bucks, they are very similiar the the Pluegar reels that everyone loves. Take a look at them. I own a few Shimano's, quantum, browning, garcia, and others. This reel is in the same class as all the top brands (so far).