WANTED quality small spinning reel under 40.00

[ksdog]

Looking for a smaller size spinning reel that is smooth, good drag, and casts well. Do not want the UL small type spool. Any field proven suggestions ?

[iffwalleyes]

With out a doubt for me in that price range it would be a Tica Cetus LF 500. I currently have 3 of this model they retail for $29.99 at Thorne Bros where I have gotten all of mine at. For $49.99 you can get the Tica Cetus SS500. They are both excellent reels. I have 3 of each. One for every Thorne Bros. rod I own. The SS model has more bearings that the LF but both are very smooth. They have great drag systems. I can't say how they are for casting though since I have always used them only for ice fishing. But, for the money the LF is a great reel.

[andy j]

The Tica's are nice little reels with good performance. Also you can get a Shimano Sodona in a new smaller 750 size. They are $49 great for both seasons.

[Pete Riola]

I'd go with the Tica. Nice reels for the price.

[Moose-Hunter]

Hi Andy..

I've got agree with iffwalleyes. The Tica Cetus LF 500 would be my choice as well. This is my first year with Tica reels and I am VERY impressed. I switched to Ticas from a reel that had more bearings. After comparing the two side by side... It was a no-brainer. The LF is ultra smooth and feels like it has a nice drag system. I tend to back reel more often than using the drag, but it felt nice and smooth if I needed to use it. The guys at Thorne Brothers (THANKS PAT!!!) set me up with three as well. And one of the three will be used for ultra light open water.

[jiggin pig]

All i'm going to say is TICA, TICA, TICA. The only way to go. i have 2 of them and won't go back for ice reels. In the process of getting one for each rod.

[Guest]

HAVE USED SHIMANO FOR YEARS AND THIS YEAR BOUGHT 3 TICA CETUS REELS AND THEY ARE VERY GOOD SMOOTH REELS, IMO YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH TICA.

[icehousebob]

I picked up a Gander Mtn. Guide Series ultralight with seven bearings and an extra spool for $30. Very smooth and good drag. There are better reels on the market but for the bucks its a good reel.

[Smokey]

Ditto on the Gander Mtn. reels. I don't know who makes them, but they seem to be very good reels for the price.

[Northlander]

I agree Tica makea a nice reel. Okuma also has some nice reels at a good price. I picked up a couple of JR's Tackles new 8 ball bearing reels and so far they have performed quite well. I got them at the Ice Show and I think they were around $25.00 if I remember right. You can see them at www.JRstackle.com I believe

[Big Daddy 14]

Guy's just bought some combos from Fishing Tackle Outlet in Brooklyn Park. Tica everyday at these prices Lf 500 $26.95 Gv 500 $32.95 Sb 500 $39.95 SS 500 $44.95 These are normal prices for this store you should check the other deals they have. Solid Carbon J.R.'S Rods for $19.95. Real similar to the SH rod but less than half the $$$$. I have both, will go with the J.R. from now on. Large selection of jigging spoons and other jigs also.

[BandB]

I like pflueger trions they are about 39.99 they are mint or the shakespeare synergy for about 29.99 they are very nice I own both but and the pfluger is a lot nice has a wood handel,6 ball bearings,One-way clutch instant anti-reverse ,Smooth six-disc drag system with stainless steel and oiled felt washers. I think they are just as nice as the 89.99 shimano Symetre. just my .02