best spinning reel on the market shimano stella STL2500HGFK FK SHIMANO calls it ‘Infinity Evolution Shimano Stella FK Spinning Reels

Pro Tip Wet the knot before tightening to reduce friction and increase knot strength

Anglers just starting out should favor black, white, and maybe a frog pattern, but some of the all-time great colors from SPRO include Killer Gill, Nasty Shad, and Red Ear

Specs and Features: Shimano Curado DC 201HG Price: $314.99 Gear ratio: 7.4:1 Bearings: 6 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing Max drag: 12 pounds Mono capacity: 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 Braid capacity: 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 Abu Garcia Revo SX VoltiQ Price: $249.95 Gear ratio: 7.3:1 Bearings: 9 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing Max drag: 25 pounds Mono capacity: 10/140, 12/115, 17/80 Braid capacity: 20/150, 30/110, 50/80 Testing the Revo SX VoltiQ and Curado DC After receiving the Revo SX VoltiQ and spooling it up alongside the Curado DC, Ive spent hours fishing with each reel on different setups

The only downside is that youll have to pay a $60 handling fee (which is the new standard for high-end rod repair and replacement guarantees these days)