I'll preface by saying I tend to be cheap on these kind of purchases unless there something I really want. I need to expand my bass fishing rods to include a spinning rig, so this is a necessity purchase, not like the time I dropped $1200 on a new 6wt setup. So, let's say budget of $250, but I really would feel better in the $150 range.

I'm planning to fish multiple bass tournaments in Montana/Idaho this year, and my collection of baitcasters is great, but not tailored to the fishing I'm going to have to do.

I'd add on, if anyone has a good used reel they want to sell, I'm interested.

On that budget, I'd get a Shimano Nasci 2500 or 3000 reel ($100) and a Falcon Lowrider Dropshot (6'9" ML) or Shaky Head (6'10"M) rod, depending on what you'll be throwing, for $130.

For $150 I'd get a Penn Battle combo in 2500 every day of the week and twice on Saturday

I have two pflueger president reels on ugly sticks. Not really expensive, but I love them.

I am a full time guide and have been impressively abusing Penn Battles in customers hands for 10 years or so. Can't speak to others as I haven't needed to try others. Good luck.

Penn battle with a Falcon rod.

Pwnn battle 2500 and either falcon or dobyns rod
Wife has yhis reel and dobyns nedium light for bass fishing and loves it
I've used it too amd its great

I personally would not blindly put a spinning rod and reel together.

You really need to see the reel seated on the rod to know if it's a good match.

Mostly I look for the angle of the spool to be in line with the line guides.

BKS_Aggie08 said:

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I have two pflueger president reels on ugly sticks. Not really expensive, but I love them.

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That's me!

My experience with the Penn Battle spinning reels is wildly different than y'all's. Absolute potato drag. Even the guide asked what was wrong with the reel - "dunno man, it's brand new!"

Nasci 3000 is excellent for the price. Hand pick the rod at academy, bass pro, etc. Rod ratings vary drastically, even between models of the same brand.

Penn Battle 2500 or the Shimano Nasci- spend your money on the reel. Your rod will long outlast your spinning reel if go cheap on the reel.

Go with a medium/ medium light action 1/8-3/8 or 1/2 Great action for grubs / jig heads and rattle traps. You can find plenty of good fishing rods in the $50-$70 range. I have BPS tourney special 6.5' that has the right mix of backbone and flex to really let you feel the fish. Action is more important than brand imho

I have a few different Shimanos but I usually pick up my Mitchell 300 first.

SGrem said:

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I am a full time guide and have been impressively abusing Penn Battles in customers hands for 10 years or so. Can't speak to others as I haven't needed to try others. Good luck.

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Good to see ya chiming in over here! I don't fish spinning tackle, but would always trust SGrem's recommendations.

In case anyone is interested, I ended up going with a Nasci 3000 and a Dobyns Colt 702. Came in right around $160, and no sales tax in Montana.

You can get 10% off by ordering through Optics Planet's mobile app and free shipping.