You don't need to spend big bucks on SW reels. Sure you can spend $700 for an Abel or Tibor or Hatch, or $1000 for a Mako, or $600 for a Nautilus but you can spend much less than that too. Reels suitable for bonefish can run $250 or less. Examples are Sage 1800 and 2000 series, Lamson Konic and Guru, Orvis Mid Arbor, Ross CLA, Redington Rise, Cortland Precision, and S.A. System 2 just to name a few. We have caught plenty of bonito, which are tougher than any bonefish, with a $55 Redington Crosswater, though I wouldn't make this my primary reel on an a costly trip somewhere. The Redington CDL, Sea Level Tempest, and TFO LA are fine for for Dorado and Skipjack, Jacks, Sailfish, Trevally, Tarpon, bonefish etc) and these are all less than $300. The TFO Terry Hayden Reels at $400 to $450 are a solid as other reels that cost twice has much have have the Type III adonization that is much tougher than the Type II used on most reels including the more expensive Abel, Tibor, etc. (I have both TFO Terry Hayden and Abel reels in my collection so have compared them side by side.)
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