Tarpon are on their way to Boca Grande and ultimately into Tampa Bay - the excitement is driving me crazy!! In light of this I have two simple questions:

What three spinning reels does anyone recommend? Please recommend a budget reel, middle of the road reel, and the "Cadillac" reel.

What three spinning rods does anyone recommend? Please recommend a budget rod, middle of the road rod, and the "Cadillac" rod.

Just need to start planning and saving so I am not caught empty handed.

I have an idea of what I am going to get, but it never hurts to ask as many as possible.

I'm not a high dollar fisherman by any means. I picked up a couple Hurricane Redbone 7' heavy action spinning rods on a great sale at Sports Authority, out the door for under $60 each. One have a Penn Captiva 6000 series reel and the other an Okuma Avenger 6500 series.

Both are virgins, I got them late last season. Like you, I am anxiously awaiting the first signs of spring fishing.

Budget reel - Shimano Socorro $69.00 approx (new)
Middle of the road - Shimano Spheros 8000 + up Price
$129 to $170. Maybe just the best reel ever built for tarpon. Has one of the most powerful drags of all. I will write you more.

Best Accurate $$$$$$$$$$

Thanks men for the help!

I look forward to hearing some other options from Captain Dave. I have to be honest, with so many guides around the Tampa Bay area being sponsored by Daiwa and Quantum - I was surprised to read Shimano.

Avet is building a spinning reel. They build high quality stuff. It will probably be a little pricey.

Wow! I will be checking out that line. I wonder if they will have any light weight reels with strong drags. I'll be watching.

As soon as I find out I will let you know. If you find out let me know. Thanks