Hey all,
I was looking for the best reel for under $150. Any recomendations. I have decided to start doing more swimbait throwing. I have the big Ospreys and Huddlestons. I use 20 fluro for line and a Lamiglas big bait rod.

Fish On ... Get the net!!!

Dave

Dave, for that price range check out the Shimano Cardiff 400 size or the Okuma Induron 400 size.

If you search the forums a little, there's lots of discussion on both reels. Those seem to be the 2 most popular for the members here in that price range.

I personally use a Cardiff 301 and am waiting for my Okuma 400 (lefty). Everyone has been out of stock for about 4 months. x(

Well I have had my Induron 400 for a few months now and I have fished it very hard. I have thrown big baits for hours. I have taken it in the salt and really tested the drag on big running fish. And I have buttoned down the drag and bullied some decent bass.
So far I have caught yellowtail, legal lingcod, barracuda, Dorado, lmb to 6lbs and a lot of other smaller fish. The saltwater fish were all caught on 15lb test. And the drag worked beautifully. It never was sticky and it rolled off the spool very smoothly. Over all the real feels good and tight and everything is very smooth. The one thing that took a little getting used to was the free spool. It has the freest free spool I have ever felt in a comparable reel. I had to play around with the cast control some to keep from getting backlashed but once I tuned it in, I could cast really well with it. I would rate it far superior to any other reel in its price range. I have fished Catalas, Cardiffs, Calcuttas, Diawas, Quantum Irons, and some other cheaper brands. What I have found is this. NO reel that is priced cheaper even comes close. The Cardiff was the closest in its price range butt The Induron was better. I thought it felt tighter and smoother over all. The higher priced reels did compare with it. The Calcutta was good but I couldn’t find anything that made me think it was better.
Bottom line is this; you really need a round baitcast reel to throw the big baits. They just feel stronger and hold more line. I think you need at least a 300 size, but I recommend a 400 size because they work so well in saltwater and it’s always nice to get more than one use in a reel.
I think The Induron 400 is the best reel in its price range. It should probably cost $ 200
But because it’s only half of that I think it’s the best bang for your buck
Matt