Time for a new reel. My needs are salt water, salmon, casting spoons, trolling surface and with downrigger, durable, smooth action, price between $75 and $150 or so. Some suggestions would be great. My old Penn 5500 has seen better days and repairs.

Thanks!

The Shimano Spheros seems to be a solid bet for a saltwater spinning reel. The 3000 and 4000 size sell at Outdoor Emporium for $79.

I have to preface this with the fact that I haven't caught any big fish with mine, but really like my Okuma reels (have a small trout rod/reel plus a steelhead rod/reel). I got them because my brother's buddy is a hardcore fisherman and he works at an outdoors store. He recommended it over other brands, uses Okuma himself, and thinks they're the unsung hero of the rod/reel world.

I've been using Okuma Epixor baitfeeder spinning reels for the last 2 years. I like the baitfeeder feature for letting down the downrigger ball, I don't have to touch the main drag to keep tension on the line.

Spinning reels is all I use, I don't really like level winds and baitcasters. I fish salt water for salmon and use downriggers 99.9% of the time.

I think the Okuma Epixor is as good as my Shimano Stradics in performance and just under my Shimano Sustains. The Shimanos are built a little better so they may last a bit longer but you can get 3 Epixors for the price of 1 Sustain.

My Okumas are my main reels now and my Shimanos are the backups.


Damon

If you are fishing large lures, on the downrigger, or bouncing bait, you just can't beat a baitcast. By design, a baitcast allows the line to come off the spool very smoothly...think about the way the line comes off a spinning reel vs a baitcast. For lighter stuff like fishing small floats/jigs, spinners, and casting long distances with light lines the spinning reel is best. If you haven't done it already, learn to use a baitcast, there is a reason why virutally all serious anglers use them.

As far as spinning reels are concerned the Okuma and Shimano are both very good particulary if you stick with the more spendy models.

RM

I'll stay with spinning reels, I've been using them for lots and lots of years.

Baitcasters and level winds are not for me. Its not that I don't know how to use them, its that I don't like using them. They are awkward and uncomfortable for me. I do use large lures and use flashers off downriggers all the time and have no problems at all with spinning reels.

With the way I fish and what I fish for there is no way a baitcaster or level wind will help me catch/land more fish or make it any more fun.

I think with reels, use what ever you like using, use what ever you are most comfortable using and use what ever you have the most fun using.


Damon

Go to sportco and check out the bait casters.

The Quantum Cabo (check the models, I'll find 'em later and post numbers) it has Six Layer salt protection, sweet smooth drag, even sweeter casting and larger line capacity than you'd think for the size. I haven't broken it yet, it is newish, but feels pretty solid so far.

It has the feel of a good baitcaster with the solid simplicity (though more features ) of a Penn 209. It feels right on the river throwing eggs or bobbers, and trolls real nice. Not overly expensive like some other brands.

The Penn is my personal favorite for salt trolling: Reliable, simple, inexpensive, solid quality, decent drag and holds up well with minimnal care.

Just one guys opinion....