Is it possible to purchase a quality 6W fly reel for panfish/trout/smallmouth with a decent drag and quality construction for under $50? What say you…
Okuma SLV! Very nice reels @ $49.95 with a smooth action and strong drag.
Bass Pro’s large arbor Hobbs Creek:
I have two – no complaints.
If you go used, you can probably do better than looking at new alone. I would think along the lines of an Orvis Battenkill, Ross Cimarron, maybe some Tioga, STH.
A Pflueger Medalist will cost you half your price and will land anything you are likely to hook.
I second the post on the Orvis Battenkill. They go for about 90 bucks new, so used should be within your price range.
You can also find a decent Pflueger Medalist 1494, 1494 1/2, 1495 or 1495 1/2 in your price range. They have a decent drag for what you are talking about and can be had for a song and a dance, unless you are buying a collectable one, then they get pricey. Even the ones that have all of the paint worn off usually still work great and are cheaper yet.
Some J.W. Young reels will fill the bill…maybe a little more than fifty bucks
Maybe a SA System reel
Some of the better Ocean City reels
And again, the venerable Pflueger Medalists
Bob
What SkipS said…Pfleuger Medalist…New, under $40 with a rim control, used in perfect shape around $20…Exellent reels, and at onePfoot.com they have lots of stuff to hotrod these reels…ModocDan
this was my first thought as well…
,
R.
some other options:
Okuma Cascade and Cabelas Three forks (graphite composite reels with decent drags)
Temple Fork Outfitters Cartridge reel (there is a review on this site)
Medalist has been the traditional low-end reel for many years. They were used in the early days of salt water fly fishing and, even there, handled the fish quite well. If you buy carefully during a sale, you can get a brand new reel and an extra spool for right around that price. 8T
The TFO reel is pretty decent and comes with a spare cassette.
Pflueger Medalist, and your great grandchildren will pass it on to their children all for $50 bucks.
Mark
Another vote for Bass Pro Hobbs Creek. Never failed me, several hundred steelhead and countless trout.
I will give a vote for the Hobbs Creek and the Medalist. I have and use both. John
Quit stewing and get a Medalist. I have higher grade reels and have had others that I’ve sold or traded, but I still have my 1972-bought Medalist and it still catches fish.
How 'bout a Ross Flystart?
Big League drag, no plastic spools…Just a thought IMHO.
I personally still have a Okuma Carino that I use quite often.
Look at the Albright reels on sale. Terrific little reels for the pricing. And you can probably get and extra spool and stay under $50.
Okuma’s definitely
Crown Rim Fly reel is an excellent reel.
http://www.landbigfish.com/tacklestore/showcase.cfm?PID=3081