Lightweight SW spin reel

[haguebrook]

This year I made the mistake of using my lightweight freshwater spinning reels to catch schoolie stripers out of the river near my house.

I rinsed them well after each use and then stripped them and cleaned & oiled them after every 5 or 6 uses. Unfortunately, by the end of the summer, the reels were sounding like hell. I need to junk them and start over.

What do you recommend for a SW spinning reel that can be paired with a 6' light/medium action rod? I would be using 8-10 lb test line. Actually, most of the time these rods are used by my kids, so I do not want anything too heavy.

I don't want to break the bank. However, I would rather spend a few bucks than replace the reels every year. Especially since I now need to replace my FW reels!!! --126-3-

[flyinsalt]

You can't go wrong with a Penn. That's all I use for spin fishing.

[albacized]

I'm more or less in the same boat as I'm looking for a reel that can do the double duty of being part of a freshwater trout outfit as well as a light saltwater outfit (snappers, schoolies, etc) I'm currently exploring the possibilities of a Shimana Stradic 2500. I know the larger sizes of 4000 and up are saltwater durable and I'd imagine that he 2500 would be as well since it's the same reel but a size smaller. I'm no longer convinced that Penn is the answer. If you asked this question 10-15 years ago, I'd say the Penn 420SS or 430SS (before they added the additional '0' and became 4200SS and 4300SS). But they've slowly gone downhill from there.

[BRfishing]

I was looking at some Okuma reels for the same thing, pretty nice and look durable. Most of them fit what you're looking for, pretty cheap. $40 at Dicks sporting goods I think.

[Chuckster]

I'll second the Penns... I've heard great things about the Stradics, but they are a little out of my price range (plus I'm kinda old school).

I have 2 4400 and 2 5500 Penns that I keep on hand when not fly fishing. Going on 6 seasons with all four and they show no signs of wear. One of the drag knobs cracked on one reel, but I can deal with that.

One broken drag knob on 4 reels in 6 years - I'll take that any day...

[marvin]

Daiwa BG 10 is a great little reel- I have a few BGs in various sizes and have been really happy with them.

[teflon_jones]

You should look at a Shimano Spheros. You can get one for $70 at www.rivermarinesupply.com. Their price is $30 lower than anybody else. Mine has withstood 2 seasons in the salt with very little care and runs like brand new.

[flynny]

I have had terrible experiences with Penn (specifically the SS series). I have a Stradic and am very happy with it, but it is pricey. I have a few Okuma Epixors and they have been very reliable and durable, and pretty inexpensive (about $50).

[ACKFISH]

Penn 4500, 5500. Or the 450, 550 as the model numbers have changed. a 6500/650 is probably too big, which is too bad b/c they are far superior to the smaller models in terms of components and hardiness.

Shimanos like the stradic, spheros aren't bad either, but far harder to maintain.

[SageBoy]

Take a look at the Cabela's Salt Striker series reels. I picked one up at the end of the season and love it. Much cheaper then some of the reels mentioned above and hard to beat for the price. I personally feel it's a very underated reel. ;)

[Roop]

The Shimano Spheros 4000 puts out @ 15# of drag so you can change to heavier line when the big fish move in, no maintenance other than rinsing it off, can buy it for $65, incredible factory service if needed.