| Many anglers are under the impression that a | | | | The other thing to pay attention to is the drag. A |
| decent spinning reel has to cost a ton of money. | | | | smooth drag is critical to fighting large fish, and |
| This simply isn't the case. As a matter of fact, | | | | both manufactures mentioned above have quality |
| I've never spent more than $50 on a spinning | | | | drag systems. In my experience Diawa's drags |
| reel, and the ones that I use are more than | | | | are normally serviceable as well. Some of the less |
| adequate for all of the fishing I do (and I do a lot | | | | known manufacturers drag systems can't be |
| of fishing). The bottom line is that a good spinning | | | | trusted, but I don't want to name any names. |
| reel doesn't have to break the bank. | | | | The location of the drag is important as well. I've |
| The key is to first purchase your spinning reel | | | | always preferred my drag be in front of the |
| from a quality manufacturer. The two that I like | | | | spool. Some anglers like their drag adjustment to |
| best are Pflueger and Quantum. These two | | | | be at the rear of the reel. This is really a personal |
| manufacturers make quality spinning reels at very | | | | preference, but still something to consider. The |
| affordable prices. As a matter of fact, my | | | | bottom line is that the drags offered with both |
| twenty five dollar Pflueger ultra light spinning reel | | | | quantum and Pflueger are as good as in any high |
| has been with me for more that 8 years, and I | | | | priced spinning reel. |
| wouldn't dream of using anything else. For spinning | | | | The last thing to remember is to take care of |
| reels that are a little larger, I prefer Quantum, but | | | | your spinning reel. Spinning reel maintenance is |
| this is all a personal choice. My Pflueger has helped | | | | quite important when it comes to your |
| me land a lot of very large trout, that's for sure. | | | | investment working properly. Once a year your |
| One of three keys to getting a quality spinning | | | | spinning reel should be cleaned to make sure |
| reel for under $50 is to pay attention to the | | | | everything works as it should. This is a fairly |
| amount of ball bearings the reel has in it. As a | | | | simple process, and with a little research and a |
| general rule the less ball bearings are in the reel | | | | few tools it's no problem. The bottom line is that |
| the more 'play' the crank has. For a reel you will | | | | a good spinning reel doesn't have to break the |
| like and will last you a long time you want as little | | | | bank, as a matter of fact you shouldn't have to |
| 'play' as possible. The easier the reel "engages" the | | | | spend more than $50. |
| better, at least in my humble opinion. | | | | |