Looking for suggestions for a reel for spinner fishing for trout. Are the expensive ones that much better?

It depends on how, and how often, you're planning to use it. The "more expensive" reels will certainly stand up to more abuse than the cheaper reels. And absolutely there is a price point below which you are not going to get the essential elements to a good fishing experience such as a quick-locking anitreverse, smooth retrieve, well designed line-lay system, and so forth.

However if you're planing on using the reel for more casual fishing, but still want to have a smooth reel that will serve you well, try looking at some of the mid-ranged Okumas. For the money, they are hard to beat in terms of smoothness, reliability, and servicability. Also, consider a Tica. Tica was once the largest manufacturer of OEM parts for Daiwa, and they produce reels with quality components without the premium price.

A few things to avoid are gimmicky features such as "quick-fire" or similar casting triggers that allow you to "simply and easily use one finger to open the bail and cast". These systems also require the reel to spin up to almost 7/8 rotation in order to get back to the "trigger" spot. In situations where you require a fast hookset after a cast, you'll be faced with having to re-align the reel or trying to force a hookset on a still turning reel base. Look for a reel with a solid anti-reverse, a well-build drag system, and a good oscillating reel for better line lay and you'll be much happier than with one of the bargain basement specials. With manufacturers like Okuma and Tica, you can absolutely get such a reel without breaking the bank, and yet have more features than a similarly priced premium manufacturer's model.

I have come to realize that "expensive" is really relative!! We all live on different budgets.

Of course everyone may look at it a little differently but in my opinion quality and reliability can be had for $60 or $600.

The features Bassticker mentioned are all important and are found in many dependable and well-made reels from numerous manufacturers.

My personal experience (50 yrs)has been with what I would consider low to medium priced reels. I have never owned a spinning reel costing over $100.

I am quite fond of Pfleuger spinning reels.

The President and Supreme models are both smooth dependable reels. The smaller models that end with the number ..25 are what I use for light and ultralight fishing. If you like a little larger spool the models ending in ..30 are a little bigger. The smaller spools tend to have a little more line twist which seems to happen with any small spool spinning reel.

Bill

I've always recommended Pfluegers. I personally use a Trion 4520GX (the smallest ultralight) on my trout rod. Have used it without incident for 3+ seasons now. Turned Spurky (a fellow board member) on to the Trions too...he'll probably chime in at some point but I think he likes his as well.

If you want to "step up" in a Pflueger, I think the President is as high as you'd need to go for trout. I don't have one, but have heard nothing but raves. One thing in common with all Pfluegers, no matter the price - they are all smooth as glass.

Visit a more reputable Tackle store and ask the same question that you asked here, they will be more than helpful. Though Dick's or Walmart sells reels, you have to know the exact model you want because they cannot help.

I would go to Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops or another reputable Tackle Store and talk with the person behind the counter who actually uses them. They can help you and you can leave feeling confident in your purchase.

Personally, I like to go to Cabelas as their display selection is second to none and I can play with all of them. Unfortunately for me......I have expensive taste but have still managed to stay away from the "several hundreds" at least.

Troy

I agree with T1, the pflueger trion is awesome for the price. I have 2 now,and would have gotten a 3rd but budget said nope,not yet,but it is on my list of purchases for this year,probaly grab a larger trion for my ML outfit also this year. Great reel for trout,and other species. Try one,and I think you will be pleased
www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servle...697____SearchResults the 4520gx is what I own

Plueger President. Probably the best trout, ultra light spinning reel on the market.

I really like Mitchell reels.
Smooth drag and inexpensive quality reel.
Bought the Mitchell Avocet II Gold 500ULF reel for trout.
Really like it a lot. Ended up buying all 4 models.

www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servle...100001000_100000000]

If by any chance you (Steelertrout) or anyone else is interested in the Pfleuger Supreme (only Model 8030 is available) ....Gander Mt. in Harrisburg has 3 left for $60 (that's the same price as the Pfleuger President).

Bill

That's a great price for a Supreme! I've got one of the "heavier" Supreme models (8040) a few years ago and it ran me $100!

And if you need a rod to go with that reel...BPS started selling what I use (& bought individually a few years back) as a combo outfit this year. BPS Microlite rods are sweet!
Pflueger® Trion® Reel/Bass Pro Shops® Microlite™ Graphite Rod Spinning Combos

thanks for all the suggestions. I'm headed to our Gander Mtn and a local store to check them out. Bass pro and cabelas are about 2-3 hours away so htey will have to wait until later.

did you decide yet?

So my local shop doesn't sell Phluegar or Okuma. Gander Mtn was in the process of re-organizing the entire fishing dept and replacing old stock with 2010 stuff. Only had a Trion 4530X size. Long story short I ended up ordering from Bass Pro on-line.

which did ya order?

I took T1's suggestion an ordered a 4520x.

good choice,you will not regret it

Steelertrout wrote:
I took T1's suggestion an ordered a 4520x.
Spurky's right, you should be pleased. Definitely a nice little reel for the price.