Finally dropped some money on a decent rod which will be used mainly for float fishing, Rainshadow 1143 Spinning from TH Custom rods.
Also going to try some 8lb dia power pro for the first time.

Pflueger 8035 looked good on paper but I'm hesitant to buy it since my last Pfleuger reel had the drag take a dive after only 1 month of fighting summer runs.

budget ~200 max

thanks

edited to make sure I don't get the best casting reel recommended to me :P

Curado DHSV with 7:1 retrieve. You can pack line on fast when the float takes a dip wayyyyy out in the run allowing you that precious extra second to set the hook. Smooth drag too.

I believe he said a spinning rod.

Kid
You cracker

Now your putting baitcasters on your spinning rods

Really depends on your budget. A few that won't break the bank would be the Shimano Stradic and Quantum PTi or Energy. All of these would be decent choices. Quantum has a rebate offer on some of their reels right now.

Stradic 2500.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

The new Shimano Saros 3000f is my vote they ahve a 6.0:1 gear ratio and hold 170 yards of 8ld mono, the weight is 10.1 oz. pair this with some 15lb power pro and you are ready to go. They retail for $129.99

I've had good luck with my Okuma 30 series reels. Stay away from the Avengers. Alumina, Epixor, and other higher end reels work well.

Another vote for the Stradic 2500.

Budget tops out around $220, thanks for the suggestions I'll start snooping around for more info on the ones listed.

i would take a look at the daiwa sol.

Diawa Advantage reels are good, too , I believe you can get one on E-bay

Ditto ... Team Advantage 2500 would be a good choice. About the only spinning reel that I haven't just tossed in the garbage after a seasonor two of client use

Another hint, stick with the 30 lb. Power Pro vs. 15 lb ... you'll be much happier in everyday use. The 8 lb. diamter stuff is a pain in the ass to work with on the water ... the guys that brought their own rods today were amazed at the diff when watching me rig rods and fish with my 30 vs. their 15

I know somebody who fishes an 1143 with a Saros 3000. A1 with zero complaints.

The Okuma VS-30 will fit in your budget, & its the perfet size for that 1143s.... that or go the Shimano Stradic 3000/4000 route, IMHO the 2500 reel is too small for med-big water. I have one on my Rainshadow 1082s for real small stream float & jigs & its ok for that.

Good spinning reel review a while back in Salmon & Steelhead Journal, think the Okuma was the overall winner.....

BTW, here is a good review on its little bro. the VS-20

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumavs20.html

Ditto on the 30 lb. PP, its the right size (line dia.) & the way to go.

C/22

Stradic 2500, Mgfa........Have used this reel for 3 seasons...lot's of summerruns and a few winter fish. Even caught a few silvers using this reel.

20# Stren braid is what I use.....and this past summer used this reel on a 13', 3 piece, Lamiglas.......wow, was it a fun experience!!!!!

Can buy them about any where.but a "smart person" buys them on EBAY, I got this 1 for $114 and the seller paid the shipping.......

Tried the Okuma 30, ugh.....couldn't get rid of that fast enough!!!!

Stradic 2500

I have that exact same Shimano Stradic 2500 got mine for $99 & still think its over-priced. Its a solid reel but not the last word...just an ok drag tends to fade, the Okuma blows it away if your on lots of hot fish....

You need to get the top of the line VS Okuma to really see what they are all about.

I think its the sweetest mid-size spining reel today.

The cheaper Okuma spinning reels are just junk IMO.

C/22

Daiwa Steez is another one to look at...

Curado + 1143C = Float fishing Bliss