Good general puropse spinning reel

Hi Lads,

I recently bought a new 9 ft spinning rod rated to cast between 15 and 40 g. I'm looking for recommendations on a spinning reel that wont break the bank. I plan on using the rod mainly for spinning from rocks for pollack, wrasse etc. using lures and soft plastics but also for a bit of float fishing.

I was looking at the Shimano Catana 4000 for about 45 quid. Anybody out there with opinions or experience with this reel? Also, should I go for the FB or RB model? I was also thinking of loading it with 12 or 15lb braid. Would this be the correct breaking strain for what I have in mind?

Thanks in advance

Hi I have one of these reals and have to say for a cheep reel I find it great I'm very happy with it I use 20pound sufux braid I think this suits the real perfect. For 45€ you can't go wrong and if u do get one and don't like it just sell it on

have one too.

4-5 years of hard going and no serviceing and it is starting to fade a little though

so i bought a new one recently.

I find them good.

They are good, I have two for the kids. But they are heavy for the size.

For around 100 quid you can get the Aernos FA 4000 or Soron STX 40.


For around 50 quid you can get the Catana or the Cardinal SWi

Cheers for the advice lads. After hearing what ye have said I am going to get myself a Catana. The Aernos and Soron also look good but are a little outside my budget.

Do ye know whether I should get the front or rear drag model? I'm not really sure what the differences are and which is more suitable for sea fishing..

Thanks again

They are good, I have two for the kids. But they are heavy for the size.

For around 100 quid you can get the Aernos FA 4000 or Soron STX 40.


For around 50 quid you can get the Catana or the Cardinal SWi

I can second the aernos 4000. splashed out recently and picked one up... life as i know it has changed since... little bit dearer but most of my fishing would be spinning so it was a good reason to treat myself...