Reels

I started this year with the new Pflueger Supreme XT, lasted two days before removed from the rod.  Kept getting line under spool, switched spools and line type, still happened at $180.00 thought was overpriced and unreliable. 
 
Went back to what has worked for me for years, Okuma.  Had the Hardstone which was a Cabelas exclusive model for 7 years before bearings began wearing; for price to repair I picked up the Inspira, been using since September and had no problems.  Price point isn't bad and it just works, no problems.  Pflueger President isn't bad either.  Penns are good, especially older SS series; have Battle II & Conquer, not bad but not like older ones.  The Daiwa Lexa is also another good reel, has a high retrieve ratio (over 6:1) if that's what your into, I personally prefer 5:1 or 5.2:1.  I collect and have over 300 reels, above are some of the better models I would recommend.

No Problem...You may find yourself scratching your head, with size..... I prefer a size 2500-3000 (25-30 for some makers) for Erie & size 4000 for Lake Ontario.  Reason being you will generally use smaller diameter/lb test for Erie tribs compared to Lake Ontario tribs.   To spool a size 4000 reel with 4 or 6 pound would cost you a fortune, must consider spool capacity, most lines are sold in 200 yard spools.  I've had days on Lake O rivers where water was high with fish were snapping 12lb like it was 1lb test & had to respool with 17lb; wouldn't get much line that size on 3000 series reels.  Might be good idea to get one in each size.  Considering that most manufacturers no longer include a spare spool; see if you can pick up a spare for each one, comes in reel handy at times.  I've seen & handled some of the newer Abus, they don't seem bad, but never really used... (unfortunately, only high end still made in Sweden, outsourced most models to China)...Hold onto that old Mitchell, they don't make them like that anymore and are collectors items; especially if its a half bail with a rosewood handle (was the first 300, big bucks).  Seen 300s get shredded in NY from Salmon/steelhead.  The 300x appears to be a quality reel, I used one couple times this summer and didn't have any issues.  It did feel however, a little heavier than other reels similarly sized.  I like the Okumas', high number of bearings, reliable and decent price. Go somewhere where you can handle several different makes/models, narrow your choices and go online; probably save bunch money vs. direct from retailer.