Decent Spinning Reels for Ice Fishing

I have the great joy and responsibility of buying ice fishing reels for 4 of the grandkids. Looking for something that works smoothly but not wanting to break the bank either. I have rods, but need reels. Brand names have changed (who/what is Lews????) and I’m not sure where to shop without ending up with a high end reel with 18 ball bearings, rechargeable, solar powered with ABS.

Any ideas for something in the $10-$20 range? Ex: Gander used to have a nice selection of Guide Series that worked well but weren’t overly spendy.

Thanks

Pete

I would suggest Diawa reels, lately I think bang for the buck they have the best drag without spending big money, however your not getting any reel that is gonna even work for $10-20. Unless maybe a bait shop has used repair jobs sitting around.

Tough to beat these Okuma Ceymar 10’s imo. Slightly over your budget, but you will save $10/per in headaches over a cheapo!

http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Ceymar-Spinning-Reel-Size/dp/B015RWXZPW/ref=asc_df_B015RWXZPW?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80126962060120&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726541022824&th=1

Agree with Werm on the Okuma, have one on TUCR and like it.

Scheels Outfitters Trophy Spinning Ice Fishing Reel $19.99

I still love the sienna but that’s 29 bucks. The ceymar is pretty solid as well.

I had a great well thought out reply but this website doesnt work right and it was discarded. I agree with Bigwerm. See if this one works…

Sienna 500’s is where its at. Normally $29 bucks but worth the money hands down. I bet I own 20 of them.

Own a pile of Sienna 500’s as well. Great reel for the price.

Working through previous threads (on this site !!!) the past couple years …. I have upgraded my ice fishing reels. Sienna 500s, Okuma Ceymar, and Abu Garcia – Ice Max is what I have now. The Ceymar and Ice Max reels have a fold-down handle which is nice in how I pack rods.

All three work great on open ice and definitely in a warmer house. I have the Sienna’s on my panfish rods and the Ceymar and Ice Max reels on my walleye rods.

I also upgraded the drags to carbon fiber … which I believe made a difference.

I took a Plueger President reel (smaller size) and used ice fishing … even after I winterized it … it seemed stiff.

If you can find the Sienna 500 get them. Upgrade the drag with a carbon fiber washer and low temp grease if you have the time and energy.

Now finding a line that works as good as my reels … the latest quest.

bigcrappie wrote:

Scheels Outfitters Trophy Spinning <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>Ice Fishing Reel $19.99

Have you used these?

That PureFishing discount couplped with te additional 50% (both listed under the “Christmas Bonus” thread might still work on the Garcia reels.

UPDATE: I just just tested it. You can get a Pflueger Trion size 20 for $25 use the code BELK50.
I use the trion for my main ice reel and as a summertime backup-3rd rod for crappies. It’s not a shimano symetre, but it’s close.

Not sure if they are made any longer but I bought a couple Okuma Ignite sz 10 a few years back for 20$ each,great reel for the price.

Have never used them but hear good things about Piscifun reels.

Brittman wrote:

Working through previous threads (on this site !!!) the past couple years …. I have upgraded my <em class=”ido-tag-em”>ice fishing reels. Sienna 500s, Okuma Ceymar, and Abu Garcia – Ice Max is what I have now. The Ceymar and Ice Max reels have a fold-down handle which is nice in how I pack rods.

My Ceymar’s don’t have a fold down handle.???

I have a bunch of Piscifun reels. However none of them are on my ice rods. Carbon X are the ones I have. Great reels but you will spend more than what you mentioned. The 500 is $59.99.
Just bought my first Okuma Ceymar and also bought a scheels outfitter reel. It was the $39.99 reel.

I would guess you can’t find a reel worth a damn for 10-20 bucks.
Unless you find some hot close out deal.

ekruger01 wrote:

Sienna 500’s is where its at. Normally $29 bucks but worth the money hands down. I bet I own 20 of them.

X2

You are right the Ceymar does not have the fold-down handle.

It is the Daiawa QR750 I purchased after season that is fold-down. I have not used it on the ice … quite yet.

I’m going to take a chance on the Piscifun Flame 500 for $19. Have one of their larger reels and like it.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Pete

duh queen wrote:

UPDATE: I just just tested it. You can get a Pflueger Trion size 20 for $25 use the code BELK50.
I use the trion for my main ice reel and as a summertime backup-3rd rod for crappies. It’s not a shimano symetre, but it’s close.

^^ Right here! Own 4 trions that have been good to me the last 3 ice seasons. Just bought a few more! $25

Been looking for some new stuff.
Pretty adamant about NOTHING from China.
No easy to do – ( in any part of our lives)
St. Croix rods…..

The siennas are great for the money I have two of the 13 fishing wicked reels on my walleye rods for ice fishing. I love these reels a lot I think I paid $29 pretty comparable to the Shimano.

I have 8 Sougayilang reels purchased from Amazon. A guide friend uses these and have had little issue with them for the past 2 years I’ve owned them. They have many options from $15-30. I use them ice fishing also and they handle the cold well.