What is a good flats fishing spinning reel?

Here’s my picks:

#1. Shimano “Symetre” ($79.99)
#2. Daiwa “Black Gold” ($79.99)
#3. Daiwa “Whisker SS Tournament” ($89.99)
#4. Quantum “Boca” ($129)
#5. Quantum “Cabo” ($189)
#6. Shimano “Stella” ($499)

Out of these, (which are all excellent reels), I would “zero-in” on the Shimano, “Symetre”, Daiwa “Whisker SS” & both Quantum series.

The Boca is currently on sale at Cabelas.com

For durability the Black Gold is #1 but weighs more & doesn’t have all the “bells & whistles” the Shimano Symetre/Daiwa SS has.

The Boca at $129 might be your best bet in your price range.

Although MORE than $140 the Q Cabo is an excellent reel and has been compared to the Shimano “Stella” at less than half the price!

Go to Basspro.com & cabelas.com for reviews of reels.

Hope this helps ya? Good luck!

UPDATE: Although RW has a point about “washing off your reels” it’s usually the “internal” prts of a “saltwater reel” (& perhaps the Bail/Bail mech/”Sealed system”) that designate it “saltwater” approved. You CAN use ANY freshwater reel in a saltwater environment, (and if you take extra care), it will work fine for years!

However, if you don’t keep a freshwater combo “greased & washed off” it will only take 4 trips before you will notice corrosion, ball-bearing failure, & general “salt-ware”. At least with a “saltwater designated reel” if you decide to “blow off” washing them down once in a while you’ve got a “chance” they won’t be “froze” on ya the next day!

“Dunk” a freshwater reel and a saltwater designated reel in the ocean/flats, SEE which one “makes it” EVEN AFTER a wash down! (lol)

Also try looking at the Okuma reels, I’ve bought three and have been very satisfied with performance vs. price, there as good as any shimano I’ve ever had.

The Pflueger Medalist is the saltwater version of the Pflueger President which is a very good reel for the price. It has a metal frame, 9+1stainless steel bearings and can be had for under $100.