Looking for some recommendations on spinning reels under $200. I am a relative novice but have learned enough to know that the drag on my Penn SSG will not cut it, especially after tangling with some large blues. I've returned it and am in the market for a bit of an upgrade, currently it has to be cost effective or I would just go buy top of the line. I am considering the Shimano Stradic or Daiwa Saltist. I'm fishing a 10ft Tsunami surf rod and throwing medium to large plugs for bass. Any helpful tips? Thanks! - Dave

Heard a few guys saying that the Shimano Saragosa is a great buy for under $200...

Saragossa or Saltist. Either one, best bang for around $200.

Saltist 4500

Shimano Spheros is by far the best bang for your hard earned buck.

The Saragosa is basically a Stradic FI without the spare spool.The Stradic will cost about $30 less and you get the spare spool.

Of course the Saragosa comes in a larger size than 8000 and the Stradic does not.

If you're looking for a plugging reel the Stradic8000 is the the way to go if $200 is your limit.

I fish the Spheros 8000 and have not had any trouble in 3 years, I also use the 5000 on boat rods. My reason was simple cost vs quality at the time. I can't personally speak for the others.

Shimano Spheros is by far the best bang for your hard earned buck.

The Saragosa is basically a Stradic FI without the spare spool.The Stradic will cost about $30 less and you get the spare spool.

Of course the Saragosa comes in a larger size than 8000 and the Stradic does not.

If you're looking for a plugging reel the Stradic8000 is the the way to go if $200 is your limit.
Actually the Saragossa is an upgraded version of the Spheros. Not the Stradic. It has several upgraded features to make it a much better reel than the Spheros too.

get an old penn 704z or 706z. they are tanks and will outlast any shimano. if you want something newer go with a quantum cabo, best bang for your buck reel out there right now imho.

Thanks for the advice, looks like I have a little more to ponder. Going to seriously look at the Saragossa, Saltist or Cabo.

Thumper's on the right track here- an old 704z (706's tend to be a little pricier) is the best way to go.

Reliable, holds a ton of line, easy to service, strong gears, can be packed with grease... the reel has it all. Spool it with 20 lb fireline and get fishin'. Look for one at a yard sale that's in good shape, should cost you less than half the cost of a new shimano/quantum. Barring that put up a WTB, I'm sure someone has one laying around they're willing to get rid of.

That being said, I did just pick up a Saragosa 4000 I'm very happy with... Upgraded the drag to smoOoths and it's handled some mid-twenty pound fish with no problems. I like how the guts of it are very simple- the reel is a breeze to take apart and put back together.

Second the Cabo, great reel with a great drag.

Shimano Spheros is by far the best bang for your hard earned buck.

The Saragosa is basically a Stradic FI without the spare spool.The Stradic will cost about $30 less and you get the spare spool.

Of course the Saragosa comes in a larger size than 8000 and the Stradic does not.

If you're looking for a plugging reel the Stradic8000 is the the way to go if $200 is your limit.

The Saragossa is nothing like a Stradic internally. Much less complex, fewer moving parts, easier to service yourself and less to go wrong.