Favorite 500 ( ultra light) spinning reel 2016

[Spoondangler]

Been looking at getting one or two reels for this season.  After scouring old threads on the subjects On my way! Suggestions seemed pretty dated.  What are people liking in 2016-2017 season for ice spinning reels?  Looking at a 13 fishing wicked for a dead stick reel but maybe a midrange shims no for the jigging rod. 

I currently use my open water reels (quantum energy, Garcia Orras, and Stradics) for jigging and two Shakespeare combo reels for the stationary rod needs.  I'd like to not use open water reels on ice anymore (unless I'm just jigging for larger fish) and I'd also like to upgrade from my old Shakespeare reels.

What is a good real as a primary jigging reel, and what do you use for rod holder (JJackers, dead sticking, flagged rod holders etc)?

Also, some reels on the cheaper end don't have an anti reverse switch. That almost seems like a good idea on an ice specific reel, thoughts?

Thanks in advance

[ElectricSlide19]

I like the shimano siennas. They are at a good price point and have a solid drag, and they have anti reverse. They are the only reels I have besides a CGi. I know a lot of people like Tica reels as well. Finally, pflueger presidents are at a higher price point but are excellent reels as well. Good luck!

[dekatronic]

X2 with ElectricSlide. Siennas are great value for the price, but I hear they are being discontinued. Sad times but I hope they will be replaced by another reel with good value.

I'd also suggest any other Shimano reels too for quality, but prices start to climb and there are probably other reels that would fit into the picture.

[LSCjigger]

Another vote for the Sienna's. I do have one Abu Garcia Cardinal on one of my rods, nice reel. One thing I really like about them are they come with a spare spool. Let's me use the same rod for jigging Perch and also fishing inland lake walleye.

[Spoondangler]

Thanks for the input. Do most people use open water reels for ice? I have been for years, but the get banged up faster and my smaller open water reels are for hair jigs and drop shots so I really need them to be in good working order.

Anyone turn off antireverse when ice fishing?

[Dave R]

I have a Sienna 500. But another reel that I think gets over looked is the HT Accucast. I have the 102 ( 2 ball bearing) and the drag is smooth. It also comes in a 4, or 6 ball bearing. They get good reviews on Fish USA.

[Fishtrekker]

The old style Shimano Shara's 500 FE.

[Spoondangler]

The old style Shimano Shara's 500 FE.

What is this old style?

They actually have some at Dicks on sale this week 59.99. Thinking about picking one up, but I'm not sure they still come with the spare spool.  It is an Fe though.

[missoulafish]

Don't fall for the inline hype

[bigfish54]

Shimano Symtre are my favorite but there no longer making them,the Sienna's or saharas are good reels. Shimano reels hold up very well, I've never had any issues with them for ice or open water.

[bb400guy]

I have six Sienna's, but also two A.G. Cardinals, they are equally as good as the Sienna's.

[Spoondangler]

Don't fall for the inline hype

Too late! Still need some spinning reels though. 

I also didn't realize that th reason everone is suggesting the sienna and saharas, is because they come in 500 series, unlike some of shimanos higher end stuff which starts at 1000.  Is Sahara the top end for 500 reels?

[staggerin]

I too love the Shimano sienna. I have and will continue to recommend it to anyone

[Deal Ninja]

Too late! Still need some spinning reels though. 

I also didn't realize that th reason everone is suggesting the sienna and saharas, is because they come in 500 series, unlike some of shimanos higher end stuff which starts at 1000.  Is Sahara the top end for 500 reels?

No, the Symetre is.  I snagged four of them at the end of October on Amazon for $51.77 each.  They are being discontinued as well.  Great little reels.

[DR.SPECKLER]

any size 500 shimano.

[Spoondangler]

No, the Symetre is.  I snagged four of them at the end of October on Amazon for $51.77 each.  They are being discontinued as well.  Great little reels.

Just saw those thanks! That does look like it might be the best spinning reel for ice fishing right now, hopefully they will do a newer model to replace it

[Deal Ninja]

Just saw those thanks! That does look like it might be the best spinning reel for ice fishing right now, hopefully they will do a newer model to replace it

My favorite is this:   http://www.glensoutdoors.com/shimano-stradic-stci4-1000faml-spinning-reel.html?gclid=CMW4ls_hitECFQmHswodX0sJgg  The 1000 series size, but the weight of a 500 series.  My Stradic famls weigh less @ 5.8 oz. than my 500 Symetres @ 6.0 oz.  I picked up two of them from Glen's this summer when he had them down to $160.  Tackle Warehouse had them recently for $139.99 and I shed a few tears.  lol  They still have the 3000 and 4000 models marked way down, but they're much larger reels.  I gather Shimano is updating these reels for 2017, so the older models are being clearanced.  They are still excellent reels; very strong and ultra-light.  Glens still has the 1000 CI4+ faml, but their back up to $179.99.  I think they sold a bunch when I bought at $159.99.  They retail for $219.99.

[missoulafish]

The STradics and Carbon series are great reels!

[Iceballs204]

I like the Rapala r type spooled with 10 lb nanofil for Winnipeg greenbacks the biggest fish was a 27 in football over 10lbs and handles 40+ fish in one day 25in being the biggest on the day 

[staggerin]

Shimano sienna bar none

[Iceballs204]

I agree with Siennas it's to bad they discontinued the 500 sz

[2bobbersdown]

Seen an Abu Garcia ice max today. Has a long shank and a push button to easily collapse the handle for storage and only $35.00.

[Spoondangler]

Seen an Abu Garcia ice max today. Has a long shank and a push button to easily collapse the handle for storage and only $35.00.

That's funny, I was taking off handles today to fit rods in a case and I was thinking "why don't they make more collapsible handle rods for ice". I thinks the only one I've had was a garcia from years ago, but that rod handle broke and they did not carry the part when I contacted them. Wonder if this one is reliable, it was a nice reel other than that and I do hate taking off handles to put rods in a case. Thanks for the info

[jjc155]

Not sure if they are available anymore but I have a bunch and love the Tica Cetus reels. Been going strong for years.

J-

[Bartb]

Not sure if they are available anymore but I have a bunch and love the Tica Cetus reels. Been going strong for years.

J-

I have two rica Cetus reels that I have been using since maybe 2004... love them.