I need a couple of replacement/spare small spinning reels for catching bait. Usually skippies.

Thx I will check them out.

It's a tough choice. Check out some of the YouTube videos on the Slammers, close to bullet proof. I say close because someone always questions their water resistance or has an example of the roller seizing or such like. My point is that they are one of the most resilient spinning reels available which sounds ideal for your needs. I used one on the jetski with no covers and it held up well which is saying something. I'm not a complete Slammer fan boy, they are damn heavy which is why I avoid them for softbaiting. You may find some discounted Slammer IIIs now the Slammer IVs are on the market. 

Of recent times there have been some good things said on this site of the AliExpress Kastking reels. As a cheapy they may be worth a look.  If you were to go down that path the Kastking Sharky lll 5000 model would be my choice.  More than enough drag at 18kg, weight 299g and a spool capacity of around 180m of 40lb line.

Do it properly and get a Stradic 4000/5000 

smudge wrote: Ooops 'spinning reels' Smudge! If you ever want an overhead for that stuff avoid the newer Calcuttas. No clicker, not terribly reliable. What a shame.

Alan L wrote: smudge wrote: Ooops 'spinning reels' Smudge! If you ever want an overhead for that stuff avoid the newer Calcuttas. No clicker, not terribly reliable. What a shame. When I think about it, it probably doesn't need to be a spinning reel. Just that is what I have always used. No chance of catching a marlin on it. I don't tow skippy lures. All my bait is caught on flies. Small flies. Very small flies. But yes, you can get mahi and it doesn't take much of a YF to give you issues. But on the hooks I use, 2 kg drag would be the max. Alan

If the drag limit is set to two kilos then pretty much any 4000 size will do- or even a decent 2000. My little Shimano- admittedly one of their better models- has dealt with Kings up to 15kg on a lightweight spinning rod with a casting limit of 15 g throwing a micro jig. Its amazing what the quality gear will handle. if budget can stretch I would always get the best I can afford- that way it'll do service on bait, skippies, jigging and straylining. I always think the "I can get ten of these for one of those" approach just creates landfill and probably costs fish when the gear fails at exactly the wrong moment.

Yes - well one of my most recent reels to die was a Shimano 4000 (or 5000 - had one reel was a 4000 one a 5000 - can't remember which was which).  

I want to go saltwater fishing but don't have any proper guidance about the reel brand. Some say that the Shimano is the best, while others prefer Daiwa. A little bit of confusion I have. Please if someone has some experience guide me.