I figured this would be a good post to hit the sore spots head on. I guarantee that few will agree with what others post as the best unless they are running the same equipment. As with most fishing gear, what we own and use is the best (for us.) 
On these cold winter days when only the walleye guys are snagging flatheads I wonder about fishing things. Things like “why is there so much dissension when it comes to things like a reel, or rod” between cat folks.
I think a person needs to ask themselves a few questions to find the answers.
1. Where are you fishing?
2. Are you only fishing for flatheads?
3. Are you a shore or boat fisher person?
4. What is your budget?
5. How often are you fishing?
I’m sure there’s more to consider, but that’s a good start.
1. Where are you fishing?
If your main area your fishing flats is a wooden jungle, you might want a heavier reel (quality of drag, winching ability) than say a angler that fishes in areas of less wood/snags for example. For me, fishing below Dam #3 would be a good example of flathead water that is relatively snagless also around wing dams. On the other hand,the WI back channel can have wood all around the boat. Winching a flat to the boat between fallen trees and other under water obstruction asap becomes very important.
2. Are you only fishing for flatheads?
If you’re looking for a reel for walleyes and channels with the occasional flathead, there’s going to be less stress on your reel. Generally speaking there will be more weight to deal with if you’re strictly targeting flats.
3. Are you a shore or boat fisher person?
Like rods, I have a completely different idea of what’s a good shore reel compared to a boat reel.
Fishing out of a boat, I feel the casts will be shorter so I’m not so concerned with a fantastic casting reel. With rods, I’ll take a longer, better casting rod for shore fishing over my preference of a shorter, easier to maneuver and store boat rod.
5. How often are you fishing?
If you’re going to fish for flats once a year, I would suggest the trip swap forum or hire a guide with some great gear (sorry, couldn’t help it! If you’re past that stage and have cat slime in your blood, depending on how you’ve answered the above questions, you might want to consider going with a good brand name and a model that’s been a proven workhorse.
4. What is your budget?
Maybe this one should have been posted first(?)
There’s way too many things to cover here. When I was starting a family 30 years ago I dreamed of having a Fenwick Boron X fly rod ($300.00) and putting my $25. Wright and McGill to rest. After 5 or so years, I received one for a birthday present. They both caught sunfish to be sure, but the Fenwick to this day is way more fun.
Catfish folks like everyone are moving through life at different times with different priorities.
Keeping the above in mind and your own personal priorities will lead each person to the reel, rod or boat for that matter that’s best for them.
Was lucky to grab mine before they were all gone. 