There are quite a few reels out there in that price range. It does depend alot on what species, how much backing etc. But to throw these out there I have tried the following in that price range: 1 - Pflueger Trion (50 yds/20 lb). Decent reel, decent drag depending on what your fishing for but it doesn't carry alot of backing. 2 - LL Bean Orion (170 yds backing). This reel has a good drag (I own one, use it for LL Salmon). The Orion is $159 but the extra $10 is worth it. 3 - I bought an Echo reel last year and have not been dispointed in its performace. However, the reel is on a 5 wt. It does hold a good amount of line and the drag seems smooth. The bonus with this reel is that it comes in around $80. Good price for the performance. Anyway, if you have time to get online and do some browsing, LL Beans, Cabelas and Orvis would be a good start. Other than that go to your local shop (if you have one) and check out some of the gear first hand. Speaking of Cabelas, a friend of mine purchased a Cabelas LSR model and has has nothing but praise for the reel. A 6 wt for LL Salmon once again. The reel holds around 100 yards of backing and cost about $150. Good luck and tight lines! WB Caddis
