I need some opinions on a good, reliable spinning reel. I am currently fishing 90% of the time with a St. Croix Tidemaster Inshore TS76MF. It is 7 1/2 ft. long.I usually use 10 lb. test mono.
This season I have gone through 3 reels. The first a Mitchell Riptide RTF50 Flats Runner. It lasted about 200 fish. The main gear stripped on a legal size striper. After a long run around, no replacement parts available local OR FACTORY. They offered me a larger reel free of charge. Doesn't solve my problem, though.
The second reel was a Penn 4400. I have gotten a couple of seasons out of it. I just don't really like it. It is bound up. Haven't pulled it apart, yet.
I am currently using a Pinnacle Absolute 50. It is o.k. But it too is binding up. I have had it apart twice in a month and a half. The bearings on each side of the main gear are rusting out.
Does anyone besides Shimano make a good reel? The only reels I have that are dependable are a Shimano 6500 Baitrunner ( an old all black one ) and a Shmano Calcutta 400. Maybe, I should try a Fin-nor Ahab...$$$ ???