I want to build up a new bobber fishing setup, which will involve replacing my 20 year old Cardinal spinning reel, which has seen better days.

I want to get one of the Shimano spinning reels (I think), but am a little confused by all the models out there. Anyone got any feedback about how far up the price scale one needs to go to get a good durable reel? I am looking at the Sahara in Cabela's for about 50 bucks. Also looking at the Diawa in Angler's workshop for about 90 bucks.

I dont mind paying a _little_ more, and getting a good reel. But I don't get why the 300 dollar reels make any sense, when I bought my cardinals for 24 bucks and got 15-20 years use out of them.

Be curious to hear what people use and like.

I Bought a rear drag Symetre a few weeks ago and I absolutly love it. The drag setup on this reel is just about Idiot proof. "just about" I say. I will always find a way to cracker off a fish or two . Definetely worth the 85 bucks.

Check out Okuma as well I hear they are pretty hard to beat.

i am currently fishing with a sahara, and like it. no problems so far. not the best spinning reel i've ever fished with but, for the money i don't think you can beat it. my father fishes with the symetre and wouldn't fish with anything else. hope this helps.

I fish an Okuma Epix-30,10 ballbearings and the smoothest drag I fished on a spinning reel.For around 50 bucks these are a deal.They had a problem with a few of the handles,but they seam to have solved the problem.Check em out......Os

For a good deal on Shimano reels, you might want to check out rei-outlet.com -- they've got Saharas and Symetres at 25% off. Just ordered me a Symetre for $63!

Tight lines.

I have two Shimano Stradics, a 2000 and 4000, the little 2000 (which I got for Trout but holds 100Yds of 10 lb test) has been doin' a lot with 8-15 lb Silvers and 30" Steelhead. I am impressed. The Shimano family of reels has been real reliable and the performance/quality is apparent.
I did get 3 large Silvers with a 30+ year old Mitchell 300 Sat.It makes a lot of noise and the drag is rough, but it works if your careful.

Stradic 2000.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I have the Shimano 2000 in the Cedona, and Sarah models. Both have crapped out on me after a season of hard use. Both have been sent back to Shimano for replacement or repairs at least once in their careers. At all costs, I try to just use a baitcaster when possible. The only time I find myself using my 1082 and a 2000 is when I'm pitching out D* Nites or spinners for slivers, or up on Cook Creek for steelhead. It's so nasty/brushy on Cook Creek that you don't have room to cast.

Use a 10.5' rod and a baitcaster. Forget the twisting^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hspinning reel.

Parker

I have a really hard time casting a 1/4 oz jig with no other weight under a float on a baitcaster. But then again, I'm an idiot. I reaffirmed that after this past weekend on the coast. Don't ask.

Anwyay, that's a good deal on the Symetre. It's a nice step up from the Sarah.

Bruce

Ouch.

After the previous replies, and before the last two, I order a Sahara 4000 from REI. Well, we'll see how it does.

To the one reply, I prefer bait casters too, but I spend too much time undoing backlashes after short, dunk casts into slots close to the boat. For some of the stuff I do, a spinning reel is what is required. I may have to make two rods. :-( (:-)

For bobber fishing, I highly recommend baitcasting as opposed to spinning. It makes it easer to freespool your line and control it, therefore, you get longer drifts.

I have the Stradic 4000. I am more than satisfied with it! It takes care of salmon and steelhead with no problem.I also have the Okuma Epix30 but have not gotten a fish on it yet. It's a little heavier than the Stradic but the drag is vry smooth and I find that real important.

I have two Stradic 4000's. I really like the inner bail and the anti-reverse.