Thread: Panfish Reels

Browning superlight reels from bass pro. $25 (I think). I have had 2 for about 3 years now and they work good.

Originally Posted by panfish_angler_17

Looking for reels in $50 or less range

Mitchell Avocet, about $30

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).

Shimano, but for gill's this last year iv'e tried lower priced rod's and old ice fishing reel's confidence Factor and they ended up being replaced! Guide's are guide's reel's are reels and to me it's a mind set that give's me a RUSH! Cheeep is not good and good is not cheep!
Now this is just my oppinon take it for what's it's worth!

Had several avocets and the bail messed up on most of them in 1 season. I have shimano reels thet have been going for years. 2 1500 symetres a 1000 saros and a 750 sahara. All have been going for at least 6 years exept the saros because they come out about a year or two ago. Dawia spinning reels are pretty reliable also as some of my friends use them. Question is do you want to spend 30 to 50 bucks every year or 75 every 10 years. Also have friends that use pfluger presidents and are very reliable also and at a good price point.

All newer reels are made for the bail to be closed with your fingers before reeling in.If you had bail problems with your Avocate is probably because you were slaming it shut while reeling.I have 3 Avocates for a couple years now and thousands of bluegills with no problems.I myself like them.

Az dont no about the Bail problem's your prob. wright ,but T-RO i am with yhea! No pun inntended Az as you have alot more expiernce with that brand! And i dont doubt you by no mean's! But shimanno has gotten so high priced but ive allway's found the smoothest drag to be what make the sport more fun! Just my Oppoin.

I have friends that use nothing but shimanos.They spend a lot of money on them.Then they break for whatever reason.I still have my Avocates though.I see them snapping the bail shut with them turning the handle.Oh well,lol.I have a vintage 1973 Mitchell 308 that I still use for dock shooting because of the wide spool.It is in perfect shape,now that one you HAVE to close the bail while reeling with the handle.But it is all metal everything,not plastic.