Best Jigging Reel Under $100? Under $150

I'm sure that this has been discussed many times, but times change. Ideally I'd like to pick up a cheap but serviceable reel for the salt. I'll run 30# braid and typically 2-8oz terminal tackle. I want a smooth drag, casting will be minimal, good corrosion resistance, level wind, L or R retrieve is OK for this one. I'll mostly use this for rockfish and lings.

Feel free to point me to a prior thread. I'd like to keep it cheap for my initial donation to the sea floor ;-)

Thanks!
Dave

I have been using a Penn squall 20LW LH.I like it. Look at bigfishsports.com for $90 I think. 15-20 bucks cheaper than anything I found.they make a #15 reel but only in RH.cranking Handel and you can move it for more leverage.there is also no play in the Handel like the Penn 209 I have when you set the hook.

Shimano 4000 gt. Indestructible, cheap and works great for jigging and trolling. Used a lot here in BC.
T2

http://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-moocher-mcr4000gtpa-plus-gt-reels.html

Under $100 you are pretty limited.
You pretty much need to decide which is more important, smoothness or corrosion resistant.  The durable reels at that price point aren't going to be silky smooth and the smooth reels won't like salt water.
I would recommend looking at the Shimano Triton or charter specials. Once you are looking in the 100-150 there are a bunch more options. Check out some of Okuma's offerings.
Also if you are planning on using 8 oz you probably want to step up to at least 40 if not 50 pound braid. I think you will find 30 has very little abrasion resistance. Plus it is down right nasty stuff that can cut you VERY easily. 

Also if you are planning on using 8 oz you probably want to step up to at least 40 if not 50 pound braid. I think you will find 30 has very little abrasion resistance. Plus it is down right nasty stuff that can cut you VERY easily.

I have very few setups with >30# braid, but I also usually top shot with about 15' of mono/flouro for added abrasion resistance.  The main downside for me with lighter braid, is tip wrapping, and sometimes birdsnests that are impossible to clear.  30# brain is just flimsy.   Many of my reels started out with a full spool of 300 yards of braid, and while I've lost some of it over the years due to cutting away when clearing the wicked braid knots when birdsnesting, the line I have on the many reels is  7-8 year or more old.  I also always carry a set of gloves for handing the thin braid when trying to handline my way through clearing snags.

-Allen

Good to hear the opinions. OK, so I'll spend a bit more. What are some good choices for smoothness and corrosion resistance in the under $150 category?

Do you prefer a spinning or baitcasting reel? Star drag, or lever drag important to you? For what you are asking in the price range I ended up with the Lexa 300. Wal-Mart online had the best price, but the price has gone up and their site is all wonkey now. Don't know if you can find it under $150 now.

You can get these on sale for under $100.  I opened mine up right away and packed it full of grease to extend its saltwater life.  But it's only a matter of time.  http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Cold-Water-Linecounter-Trolling/dp/B008GQ6XII

I'm a big fan of the Abu Garcia C3. Pick up a used one if you are concerned about losing it.

Conventional reels only, level wind unless a narrow spool, fast retrieve, I'm indifferent to star or lever drag.

revjcp is on to something... (but then again he hates Lexas!)

Seriously though... hit pawn shops!!!!

...and with the $ increase now this thread converges with the other active reel thread.

Thanks!
Dave

I was in Cabelas-Eugene a little while back and I think these were actually on sale for $99......


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Saltwater-Rod-Reel-Combos/Spinning%7C/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/104536980/i/104117580/Cabelas-Salt-Strikerreg-Inshore-Spinning-Combo/1573198.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fspinning%2F_%2FN-1104624%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104117580

You can get these on sale for under $100.  I opened mine up right away and packed it full of grease to extend its saltwater life.  But it's only a matter of time.  http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Cold-Water-Linecounter-Trolling/dp/B008GQ6XII

+1 on this great reel.  I use it when fishing in Tillamook bay and it works great (so far).  I grease it also and wash it every time after I'm done but we picked it up at the Sportsman show in Portland from Bi-mart for $70.00.  We'll keep our eyes open for another one or two.

I would recommend looking at the Shimano Triton or charter specials.

That's where I started and those reels are still top notch after some good use/abuse. Great bang for the buck!
Hard to beat for $55
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Triton-TRN-200G-Levelwind-Reel-TRN200G-Extremely-Fast-Shipping-/201370681502?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

I have very few setups with >30# braid, but I also usually top shot with about 15' of mono/flouro for added abrasion resistance.  The main downside for me with lighter braid, is tip wrapping, and sometimes birdsnests that are impossible to clear.

Also if you are planning on using 8 oz you probably want to step up to at least 40 if not 50 pound braid. I think you will find 30 has very little abrasion resistance. Plus it is down right nasty stuff that can cut you VERY easily. 

Either way, good advice. ⬆︎