Shimano gets my vote. I use a Shimano Calcutta in the left hand model (although I am right handed I still reel with my left hand and cast with my right). The Calcutta was popular 10 years ago but has been replaced by reels such as the one you are considering. My reel is matched to a 10.5’ Loomis GL2. The rod is only rated for 20# test but most of us have learned that we can go up to 30# leader without having to take advantage of the life time guarantee. The advantage of a longer rod cannot be overstated. A thrifty shopper may be able to buy my stuff used on Ebay for a total of $150. My guess is that my stuff retailed for about $400 combined ($185 for the reel and $ 215 for the rod).
I am very glad that I invested half the value of my car to buy good gear. It literally lasts a life-time.
**If your going to drag around lures(like trolling), round reels are ok. But, if you are going to cast and retrieve. Low-profile is the only way to go. My reels are all Shimano. Mostly Chronarchs and 4 different kind of Curado’s.
Go to your local fishing store and play some reels, Sportsman’s and Cabela’s have more choices, but local shops may have something you like. Find a reel that fits your hand and hopefully you will like spinning it.
Don’t go too cheap. Reels that you hate never leave the house.
**
I use a Shimano Curado teamed up with a G-Loomis GL-3 rod.
I know this is way out of your price range, but I started out with a lower budget setup and kept upgrading until I finally broke down and shelled out the dough.
This is the best setup I have ever owned and worth every penny that i paid for it.
DITTO!!! [bobwink]
I would go for the Curado. Spend the extra money on the reel. You can upgrade the rod later.
I’d go with a cardiff. Abu’s are great reels but they have a higher profile that sits up off your rod. cardiffs have a recessed reel seat that sits lower on the rod and is more comfortable. i have a 200 and a 300 cardiff for salmon and steelhead and they are great. I will probably be adding a curado 200 to the arsenal this steelhead season though when i get a good coupon for cabelas! another decent reel is a Abu black max for $50 not bad for the price. i use mine for kokanee so i haven’t casted much with it but for 50 bucks i can’t complain.
