I'm trying to put together a rod. I have an Ugly Stick Catfish rod and I need advice on a spinning reel to go with it. The more research I do the more conflicting information I see (The Catch 22 of The Information Age). I find myself just as confused as when I begun.
I would like something that holds up to 14 lb. test at least, if not more. As I'm looking around I don't see freshwater reels that go past 12, so I guess I should be looking at saltwater reels? They are okay to use with a freshwater rod like I have right? If so, what brands are reputable? At first I was hearing that these "Penn" reels were good and made in the USA and all that, but then after looking around heard that they're now made in China and junk. Is this true? That stinks because I was looking at the Captiva & Silverado and they looked like good deals. Another friend says Mitchell is good but I see none that go above 12 lb. There was this Abu Garcia that was 10/12/14 for $35 at Walmart, but I don't know if they're any good or not.
I don't have a bunch of money to spend on a reel, and I've seen expensive ones have the same problems anyway. I'm not looking to spend much more than $60, but will go as high as the $80 range if it is worth it. I just really have no idea what brands to trust and don't want to end up with junk. Is there anything decent I can get in that range?
There are Catfish, Stripers, Pike and Musky where I fish and I'd like to be able to hang onto one if they're on my line. Do you think I should be looking for one that goes to 20 lb.?
Recommendations are appreciated, as I'm a noob.