Spinning reel recommendations

For the past 4-5 years, I've been using the Doug Hannon's Wave Spin DHXL spinning reels and have really enjoyed them. The serrated top of the spool HAS been very good at not letting loops be thrown out causing massive tangles.

I have one that is not as smooth as it once was, so I began to disassemble it to clean it and lubricate it - not very easy and intuitive. The bearings around the spool sprocket were rusty and the bearing cage is cheap plastic. Plus the anti-reverse is not working, looks like a part is missing or broken. Doug Hannon passed away in 2013 and the company building the reels has shifted from production to research and development, so there is no outlet for spare parts I can find. And come to find out, these reels were made in China, who doesn't seem to have any QA whatsoever.

So now, I'm in the market now for some ultra light or lightweight spinning reels that are maintenance friendly and rugged as well. And I'd like a reel that's not prone to throw loops off the spool, it there's such a thing. What would be your recommendation and why?

Thanks.

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.

Well, I will say one thing - I'm going to "try" and buy something American made or made in Japan. Japanese manufacturing seems to be concerned with Quality Assurance, much more so than China. And American made will probably be the same...I hope. Basically I'm going to make sure the internals are either stainless or bronze instead of carbon steel, if possible. Also I'm going to pay attention to the way it's put together, with metal sides etc. So that it can be maintained.

Well today after skimming over the assortment of spinning reels at Cabelas, I settled on a Shimano NASCI 3000 HG. It has a larger spool, a metal body, decent bail and spins smoothly. After a few trips with it, I'll post up a review based on my experience. Thanks guys...........and I did spool it by laying the line out on the ground and using a wet bath cloth (don't say anything to the wife) while I reeled it up.

Congratulations, Hope you enjoy and catch many fish with them.

I like the Bass Pro Mega-Cast reels. Fairly cheap at $20 on sale, hold up great, easy to spool and cast, maintenance free and at that price, easy to replace. They have multiple sizes and spool sizes available.

I have switched to Pfluger reels a few years ago I have 3, 30 Trion and just bought a 35 I would go with the 35 but the 30's are ok also. I have a President in a 40 which is also good i use it on my Bass Rods, Very good reels. The Trion runs around $30-35 I bought them at Wally World and Ebay , I have 7 as of now i also have a 20 or 25 its a micro but like u say it through loops more often. I put braid on it but i don't like braid for crappie fishing unless i fishing blow downs i go with 6 lb line and as of now i use Crappie Maxx i did use Mr Crappie was good when i first used it but a year later it would not stay on the spool. It was not left in the sun either. I found also put your line on a week or two before u are to fish i have spooled the day before or of and had more problems with loops. I am a Shimano Baitcaster man when it comes to Bass but the cheap $30-35 Shimano reels are not as good as the Pflugers. I have a friend that just bought one and he used my reels and wished he had got the Pfluger. Cub48

cub48,

The Shimano I bought is a new model for 2016 with a larger spool than the Wave Spins I was using. I'm going to give it a try and if it doesn't work out like I want, the next one I'll try will the the Pflueger President.

I prefer spincast reels and recently bought a Zebco Omega Pro Z02. I haven't used it long enough yet to give a recommendation, but will let you know in a couple months. I have always loved Zebco, but durability/quality has been a problem the last few years.