What reel should I destroy next?

[jimmyvengeance]

Minimalist cheapskate here. My general rule with any hobby is that I don't replace gear unless it's truly limiting me or it breaks. The spinning reel on my main rod broke tonight. I'm not heartbroken. It was a POS from some generic Shakespeare Ugly Stik combo. Good riddance.

But what should I replace it with? I'm keeping the 7' medium-heavy Ugly Stik for the moment (it's not limiting me, and it's not broken). I'll probably load it with 18/20# mono and treat it terribly (saltwater dunking likely, care and upkeep less so).

My usual MO this summer is to target whatever's available and interesting (flounder, usually) until I get bored and stick on a double dropper rig and catch a mess of croaker.

[Backdoc]

Okuma?

[DonV]

My cheapskate Okumas have been holding up to the salt for years and I sure don't baby them.

[Huntrava]

I also own a bunch of cheap reels.

Out of the Shakespeare, Zebco, Okuma and Abu Garcia reels, I think the Abu Garcia is my favorite. Okuma is a close second.

[Cowpokey]

Define "cheapskate" budget.

[Ken kayak]

Shimano Stella 3000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2014 Hobie Outback Blue

[jimmyvengeance]

Cowpokey: Inclined to keep it below $100; I'm clumsy. It'll probably swim at some point, and I don't want to be heartbroken.

[jimmyvengeance]

Okuma Avenger ABF 65 on the way. Probably more than I need, but what the heck. Thanks for the tips everybody.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Ken kayak]

Shimano Stella is best reel you can get. Size 3000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2014 Hobie Outback Blue

[DonV]

Okuma Avenger ABF 65 on the way. Probably more than I need, but what the heck. Thanks for the tips everybody.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

65 is pretty big. I fish with 30 or 40 in the bay.

[Cowpokey]

Cowpokey: Inclined to keep it below $100; I'm clumsy. It'll probably swim at some point, and I don't want to be heartbroken.

I bought a Penn Battle II, size 3000 with free delivery for $82 off ebay. It was a company in Florida IIRC (Big Fish Sports), had it to me in 3 or 4 days from the time I hit submit.

If you are looking to spend less, the Penn Fierce is a very good reel for the money. I've had it on my kayak every trip for a year, just hose it off when I get home and it's still silky smooth.

[lovett88]

Ive had a good 3 seasons with my okuma stratus 4. Its held up well. I liked it so much I got the new stratus 5. Usually on sale at dicks sporting good. Makes a great "beater" reel. They have been great to me.

http://m.dickssportinggoods.com/prod...uctId=57806906

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

[Fishinfool]

Minimalist cheapskate here. My general rule with any hobby is that I don't replace gear unless it's truly limiting me or it breaks. The spinning reel on my main rod broke tonight. I'm not heartbroken. It was a POS from some generic Shakespeare Ugly Stik combo. Good riddance.

But what should I replace it with? I'm keeping the 7' medium-heavy Ugly Stik for the moment (it's not limiting me, and it's not broken). I'll probably load it with 18/20# mono and treat it terribly (saltwater dunking likely, care and upkeep less so).

My usual MO this summer is to target whatever's available and interesting (flounder, usually) until I get bored and stick on a double dropper rig and catch a mess of croaker.

Proud cheapskate here as well. Go to the outdoor/fishing dept at Wal-Mart. The closest to me is Laurel at 198 and B/W Prkwy. I was there last week. They had a Shimano 2500 for $39.95. They have Shakespeare combos for the same price or lower if you look for sales.

I carry a gallon of water with me and rinse the reels, hooks and guides as soon as I am off the water. Water is a lot cheaper than getting only one year out of a decent quality reel.

[jimmyvengeance]

65 is pretty big. I fish with 30 or 40 in the bay.

Yeah, it's probably overkill. I've always used mono, and I wanted something that could take 20#.

[Cowpokey]

Shimano Stella is best reel you can get. Size 3000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2014 Hobie Outback Blue

I think it's worth noting Ken recommends the Shimano Stella, in case anyone missed that.

[emoji14]