Good reel for $50-$80

[Surfer_Bream]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody could help me out. I was looking for reel in the $50-$80 price range for my first bream outfit and wondering what would be the best choice.

cheers

[Ozy]

I reckon the Okuma Avenger (AV - 15 or 20) would be the go.

[Ozy]

Here a pic of an AV-20, I have two AV-15s which are great but I wish I had gone for the 20. I think the smaller diameter spool causes a lot of looping I could do without especially when using Vanish as main line.

[pw-bream]

Another option would be a Daiwa Samurai 7i if you can get a good deal on it they are around the $80 mark.

Yeah i'd go the Samuria7i. Very nice reel for the price.
Have a chat with Warren or GeoffP and see what deals can be done!

Dave

[MATTY]

i have an okuma 15 and it has never caused a problem with line loop,probably a bit small for an all round estuary reel but ideal for bream and freshwater.not many people mention shakespeare reels as an option either,dont know why that is.i have a catera 4525,nice reel,5 b/b all alloy etc and looks smart,costs around $80,no spare spool though.

[Richo]

Id go for the Av15 or Av20, they do a fantastic job for there price, and every reel will throw a loop at some stage so I wouldn`t bother with that..... Either one of those or the Samarai7.. Ive been usung an Av15 and its been tops for me.

cheers

richo

[Christopher]

Yep, I've got an AV20 and it's worked an absolute charm for me. It's a good size for breamin and also other estuary and ultra-light blue water work. Lovely reel, good for the price.

[trav]

l agree the samauri 7-I is a good thing but dont underestimate its little brother the daiwa samauri 3 -I it only has three ball bearing but for under $70 is a top little thing........

Travis

[Craig H]

I own a Shakespeare Catera (same one Matty posted above) and I love it. The only downfall is there's no spare spool. It's also very simple to pull down for cleaning and lubing. I chose this reel over all others mentioned in this thread, but only because (to me) it felt a lot more balanced and sat well with the rod I purchased.

My advice would be to perhaps go to your chosen tackle store with your rod, and wack a few reels on it and see what feels the best in your hands. It's going to be in your hands for countless hours at a time so it's best to make sure it all feels balanced and comfortable, IMO.

Craig H
:)

[Christopher]

Definitely, I agree with Craig. Make sure it's nice and light, and feels good for you. The Okuma Avengers come with a spare spool, if you're interested.

[Bear]

The Avengers are hard to go by, but if you can find one, the Okuma Fina reels are a little bit cheaper than the Avengers though slightly heavier.

[Ozy]

Originally posted by Richo
Id go for the Av15 or Av20, they do a fantastic job for there price, and every reel will throw a loop at some stage so I wouldn`t bother with that.....
cheers

richo

My AV-15 with Fireline has never thrown a loop but the one spooled with Vanish throws a lot of loops, not just every now and then but the Vanish is part of the problem too.

[ChrisN]

I got my first specialised outfit for luring on Saturday that is real nice. The reel was an Okuma Fina 30. It cost me $50 and has 5 ballbearings. The rod i got was a Shakespeare Synergy 6'6" 6-12lb. The rod also cost $50 and is very nice. If you want a good combo than i would highly recommend this one. The rod is IM6 graphite and has single foot guides. It also has cork grips which makes it look really classy. After looking at other rods and reels i got this because it does the job and i have money to spend on lures.