How Much Should I Spend On A Fishing Reel?

There is a common misconception that in order to get a good fishing reel, there is a need to spend a lot of money. From my more than 25 years of fishing experience, this isn't at all true. I think this misconception might be out there because that what fishing reel manufactures (at least the ones that sell high priced products) want you to believe. I've personally never spent more than fifty bucks on a spinning reel, and mine last for years. When it comes to fishing reels, especially of the spinning variety, breaking the bank isn't at all necessary.

As long as you stick with a quality manufacturer, you should be able to find a very serviceable fishing reel for fifty dollars or less. Once you find a manufacturer that you like and trust, you can buy their high end reel, and never have to buy a fishing reel again. Many fishing reels, that you cost in excess on $100, will last a lifetime. Learning some basic things, like how to clean your fishing reel, will help dramatically in making your investment last a long time.

For the most part, I personally don't spend more than $40 on any one spinning reel, and mine tend to last for upwards of ten years. If you amortize that, my individual fishing reels only cost me about four bucks a year. That's not bad, in my opinion. Some quality manufacturers would include: Pflueger, Daiwa, Shimano, and Quantum. Any of these manufacturers would be a good choice as far a quality goes. They all produce fishing reels that are fifty dollars or less, and also have high end reels that will last you a lifetime.

The bottom line is that you don't have to break the bank to purchase a quality fishing reel. As a matter of fact, until you find the manufacturer that right for you, you shouldn't spend more than $50. Remember to clean your fishing reels before the start of every fishing season, and they will last you for a very long time. Then, once you find a manufacturer that you like and trust, buy their high end reel, and you'll never have to worry about buying another fishing reel.