LockedBest steelhead reel for under $40

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2016/08/25 14:05:42 (permalink)

Best steelhead reel for under $40

I need some new spinning reels.  2 boys and their friends we take fishing, plus some saltwater this summer, have taken their toll on what we have.  I want to buy 2 or 3 and I'm cheap.  I've had more expensive reels in the $80 range and they didn't last any longer than the cheaper ones I buy.  
 
What's the best spinning reel that stands up to steelhead for a few years that you've used for $40 or less?  
 
 
#1

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    perchmaster101
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 14:10:48 (permalink)
    I have zero problems with Okuma Avenger ABF "B" Series Baitfeeder Spinning Reels , they start at 49.99 at FishUSA, but I know are cheaper at Poor Richards if your local. 
    #2
    perchmaster101
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 14:12:28 (permalink)
    I am biased..... I only use Okuma reels now a days since trolling rods are so awesome, and actually looking at their flygear to get started in fly fishing.
     
    #3
    Porktown
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 14:34:48 (permalink)
    I have a few Okuma reels and a few Pflueger reels.  I have a few other brands that don't get much use.  Even my "Gander Mt." is a Pflueger, my "Cabela's" I think is an Okuma...  I have not had any issues with any of them.  A few of them were a bit over $40, but others were not, and seem to have about the same build quality.
     
    Remember to wash those reels really good after your salt trips!
    #4
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 14:44:23 (permalink)
    perch, I do have a big Avenger that I use for carp, cats and salt and it has been a great reel.  Going on close to 6 years now.  Dunno why I didn't think to look for a smaller model of it.  Thanks!
     
    Pork, I bought 2 new Mitchell 300's last summer and used 'em in the salt this summer.  Even before that, they weren't as great as I'd hoped they'd be.  We hosed 'em off very well after each outing in the salt this summer.  Got the drag burned out by a big bull red on one (didn't land it) and it's as clunky as a $15 Daiwa now.  That was really the only big test the drag on that reel had in the year I used it.  The other is still in decent shape, but the salt took a toll.  I had a Pfleuger president that only lasted a few years.
     
    I WILL buy a few reels next year that are saltwater rated and keep 'em set aside for that purpose.   
     
    When you say your "Gander Mt. is a Pflueger . . . Cabela's is Okuma," are you talking about the store brands built by those manufacturers with different labels, or just where you got 'em?  
    #5
    joebaker79
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 15:07:59 (permalink)
    Every year Quantum has a new name for their $40 reel. I still have some I guided with from 2009. Took a lot of abuse.
    #6
    Porktown
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 15:43:06 (permalink)
    rsquared
     
    When you say your "Gander Mt. is a Pflueger . . . Cabela's is Okuma," are you talking about the store brands built by those manufacturers with different labels, or just where you got 'em?  


    Store re-branded.  The Gander Mt. has the same exact handle, spool, spool cap, bearing stamp and other parts as my Plueger "Arbor" reel.  It looks almost identical to the Arbor, without the over sized spool.  I've had it for close to 10 years, and it has been my wiper go to reel for most of that time.  It was a combo, around $80 on sale, normally around $120 (or they claimed).  I bought the Arbor with intent to use for saltwater lure rod, but it got a lot of use at Arthur this year.  It is in the $80 range though.
     
    For salt water, I hose off after every use, then when home, I take my reels apart and give them a good cleaning with soapy water, rinse really well, then oil (3 in 1).  I'll do that with my fresh water gear, maybe once every 2-3 years.
    #7
    PooFLinger
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 22:10:13 (permalink)
    Pfleuger trion 39.99 use one for big flat heads and one for steelhead they take a beating

    Gill em to kill em then Rope em smoke em
    #8
    PooFLinger
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/25 23:09:17 (permalink)
    Yup, i have 3 presidents and 2 trions, my one president is 12 years old never once have i oiled it or cleaned it my one trion has taken 4 steelhead seasons with out any maintenance also.. best bang for the buck.. I use and abuse my equipment, my catfish trion i fell bringin a 35 lb flatty in and smashed the spool on a big rock as i broke my fall i just bent it back straight and kept bringin the fish in. I love pfleuger swear by em, no im not bad mouthing okuma or any other company just giving my input, i heard good things about okuma, just pfleuger has my business until they start costing me fish/trips their 7 ball bearing is comparablly smooth as many of the 10 bearing rigs ive looked at oh and also the trion has a larger spool size than most if your looking for more line capacity
    post edited by fishfashfush - 2016/08/25 23:11:44

    Gill em to kill em then Rope em smoke em
    #9
    Mountian Man
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/26 00:24:36 (permalink)
    Reels? jus use paracord and treble hooks jus sayin

    Thread Killer

    Veni Vidi Vici...
    #10
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/26 10:16:10 (permalink)
    fishfashfush
    Pfleuger trion 39.99 use one for big flat heads and one for steelhead they take a beating



    Maybe I'll have to look into those.  I had a President for a few years that was pretty disappointing with its lack of durability.  
     
    Most reels on retail websites all have good reviews, so I appreciate the personal feedback from all y'all.  
    #11
    ShenangoEyes
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/26 22:55:59 (permalink)
    Shimano siennas are a good reel for 30 bucks. I have 2, no complaints.
    #12
    CAPTAIN HOOK
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/30 08:22:06 (permalink)
    Presidents for the smaller buck are hard too beat.
    My older SS Penns are getting worn out after 30 years of spinning ! 
    #13
    H3Fisher
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/30 23:07:11 (permalink)
    Okuma baitfeeders are great. But they can be hit or miss on how long they last. I bought a few and one seized up after a couple outtings.

    I've switched over to Abu Garcia orra s reels. Smooth operation. Great drag and a quick reel rate. If you can find the older black and red version they go for about $40-$50.
    #14
    chet1185
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/08/31 19:25:47 (permalink)
    I use a quantum nitrous. Works great
    #15
    johnthefisherman
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/02 11:41:36 (permalink)
    So, are the steelhead up to route 5 yet? AnD duz PoR RiCHardz Hav BloO PoWerBayT yEt? 

    Sorry, had to :) 

    But seriously, I have two spinning reels I use that are under $40: a Shimano Syncopate (around $30) and a Daiwa Laguna (Around $40 even). Use both for my bass tournament fishing. Both great, cast far, and smooth as butter. Will last well if you clean and lube them a couple times a year, and store them as you should. 

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    genieman77
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/12 15:53:53 (permalink)
    rsquared
    I need some new spinning reels.  2 boys and their friends we take fishing, plus some saltwater this summer, have taken their toll on what we have.  I want to buy 2 or 3 and I'm cheap.  I've had more expensive reels in the $80 range and they didn't last any longer than the cheaper ones I buy.  
     
    What's the best spinning reel that stands up to steelhead for a few years that you've used for $40 or less?  
     
     



    I discovered the same as you....$80 reels don't last any longer than $30-$40 reels
    Not til you spend $150+ does it make a difference
     
    I don't know what the best cheap reel is today, (haven't fished regular and like I used to)  but I've burnt up a dozen Shimonos, Quantums, Pleugers, Bass Pro, etc.
    Cheap ole Shakespeare have lasted the longest
    Followed by cheap Gander Mountain Guide Series 
     
    LTA
     
     
     
    #17
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/12 16:21:06 (permalink)
    Holy Shnikes, the steelhead must be in the cricks cause Genie is back!

    Thanks genieman, as always appreciate your perspective and advice!
    #18
    genieman77
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/12 18:06:07 (permalink)
    rsquared
    Holy Shnikes, the steelhead must be in the cricks cause Genie is back!





     
    i was just checking in to see if the complaining started yet....
     
     
    ..L.T.A.
    #19
    genieman77
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/12 19:42:38 (permalink)
    old dog
    there ya go, stirring up the masses.  rumor on the street is that you want the limit increased to ten fish and want the west side tribs to be designated as bait fishing only.  




    everyone knows the best fishing and most fish are on the EAST side tribs, OD
    been that way for years..the numbers in Elk and Walnut  are down because the fish took a left turn and went to the east side tribs.
    no need to monkey around on Elk, the runs on the east side have been "epic"
     
     
    ..L.T.A.
    #20
    pheasant tail 2
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/12 21:27:13 (permalink)
    Hey Genie nice to see you back. Sound advice my friend. The eastside rocks.
     
    PT2
    #21
    genieman77
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/13 07:02:18 (permalink)
    pheasant tail 2
    Hey Genie nice to see you back. Sound advice my friend. The eastside rocks.
     
    PT2




     
    YES... and the anglers on the east side are all nice .
    more than willing to open a spot for you in front of fish ...plus there are less crowds
    People at Elk are mEEn and rude
     
    No one should bother to fish Elk anymore
    (or at least my favorite spots on Elk)
     
     
     

     
     
    ..L.T.A.
    #22
    VKT
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/09/16 00:20:28 (permalink)
    The shimano Sienna's are a good reel, I'm going to try some Daiwa Sweepfires I picked up for $13 and see how long they hold up.
    #23
    Aber™
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/10/24 05:39:41 (permalink)
    like shimano
    #24
    Smallsac
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/10/24 06:22:08 (permalink)
    Save the $40 for beer, you don't need a reel.
    #25
    jat1007
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/10/24 13:02:16 (permalink)
    pflueger president is my go too... have one in a size for every species i fish for, trout, steel, kings, walleye, pike, muskie.... i love the presidents but they're around 60$ i have had the same ones for years, never had a problem with ANY of them... i highly recommend them and have turned a few of my friends on to them... especially for fish you need a good drag for and plus they're 9+1 bearings.... i have a "templar" too not sure if they even still make that model i think it was a little cheaper i forget tho... i stick with the presidents.


    #26
    PooFLinger
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/10/24 13:15:29 (permalink)
    ^x2 proud owner of 4 unmaintained/abused spinners and 1 fly reel soon to be 2.. they never let me down from panfish to 30+lb cats had 5, wore the bail spring out on one after 16 years. Ordered the spring took it apart.. lost the plunger, only to find they don't make replacement plungers. Oh well spare parts.

    Gill em to kill em then Rope em smoke em
    #27
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/10/24 21:31:13 (permalink)
    This is a few months old and I got 2 of the Pfleuger Trions.

    They will be going back to Pfleuger as soon as I get a stretch of a few weeks here with no fishing. Both have seized up terribly at different times after sitting for a week or two. Not impressed at all. Hope the replacements are better.
    #28
    PooFLinger
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    Re: Best steelhead reel for under $40 2016/10/24 23:08:19 (permalink)
    rsquared
    This is a few months old and I got 2 of the Pfleuger Trions.

    They will be going back to Pfleuger as soon as I get a stretch of a few weeks here with no fishing. Both have seized up terribly at different times after sitting for a week or two. Not impressed at all. Hope the replacements are better.
    stop catching so many fish then...

    Gill em to kill em then Rope em smoke em
    #29
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