Which reel?

General Fishing Discussion
1

I am looking for an inexpensive reel. This reel will be used 95% of the time in freshwater chasing Smallmouth Bass. I would also like a reel that could take a little saltwater use.

I think I have narrowed my choices to two reels.

Shimano Solstace 2500. $40 through Amazon.

Penn Fierce 3000. $47 through Amazon.

I just bought a Penn Battle 5000 combo and am real impressed wtih the quality.

Thoughts? Any other options in the $50 range?

I would really like to order a reel this afternoon.

Thanks,
Trevor

2

The Shimano Solstace and Sienna are great reels. Really good bang for your buck! Look around for them though. I’ve seen them at bass pro and several other places for $25-$35. Both have stainless bearings so they will be ok in salt as long as you clean them when your done. Good luck!

Rippin Lips and Jerking Jaws!
18’ Alumacraft Tunnel w/60 Merc
16’ Camo Tracker w/25 Merc

3

Both are great products for the money. I would also take a look at the PENN Sargus and Pursuit just to give you a few more PENN options when it comes to price an specs. For the $ the Fierce and Pursuit are top notch and are designed for saltwater usage so no worries there. Good luck!

AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]

4
quote:
Originally posted by rthensley

This reel will be used 95% of the time in freshwater chasing Smallmouth Bass.

Where are you fishing for smallies? Columbia?

5

There is some great smallmouth fishing in the congaree river in the central part of Columbia.

AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]

6

Thanks for the info.

I’m in SW Virginia. That is why the reel will be used 95% of the time in freshwater.

7

Can you put a bay boat in the congaree river? Small mouth is on my list this year.

  • I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.

8
quote:
Originally posted by jimmyaadams

Can you put a bay boat in the congaree river? Small mouth is on my list this year.

  • I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.

Yes, but not where you will catch a smallmouth. For that you will need a kayak. All the rivers around downtown hold smallmouth and trout.

'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
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9

Or small john boat. I run a 14" john boat up to Gervais street bridge but that’s as far as I can run because of all the rocks up the saluda and broad river. You can catch plenty of smallmouth between the landing behind the stadium and Gervais st bridge.

AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]

10

Pflueger President. Great for both salt and fresh. Cheap.

11

I ended up buying a Shimano Symetre 2500. It is on sale right now at American Legacy Fishing Company for $59 with free shipping. It is the “old” model…SY2500FJ…but I thought it was a pretty good deal.

Thanks for the input.