Reel Upgrade advice

Hey all,
I'm looking to upgrade from my cheap spinning reel to a baitcaster. I will be primarily targeting salmon and rockfish. I know everyone loves the daiwa lexa, but it seems a little expensive. Is there anything comparable, but more affordable (like under $150)? I was looking at the Okuma Coldwater if anyone has experience with that reel.

Thanks!
Michael

I have a cold water and it has treated me well, but I have also heard of others with bad experiences. For a budget reel I would look at the diawa sealine. I have a couple that I use as loaners and they seem to be a good value.
At around $200 the Shimano tekota is more expensive than you were looking to spend, but is far above the others in terms of quality and is my favorite reel for salmon.

I would suggest the low profile cold water. I’ve been using the 354 for several years and I like it. I use it for salmon, halibut, and rockfish. I also use it to troll and jig for trout.

There is a new model out that is stainless steel so you can pick up the older model on sale.

Saw this, seems the 454DLX is 50% off, But unfortunately the website says it has paused online orders

https://okumafishingusa.com/products/cold-water-low-profile-line-counter?variant=12128763543594&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAiAoOz-BRBdEiwAyuvA6-aRXdwQj9ZunCrG4wHQD7ww3rpTT5sjcyQYQTslHFmUjAKNqixb1RoCo88QAvD_BwE

I recently picked up one of the new Penn Squall Low Profile reels to serve as my jigging reel (salmon & bottomfish). Picked it out for it's high retrieve (43" per turn of the handle) and advertised saltwater durability. I've only had it out once but so far I really like it. It's a bit over your price mark - I got mine for 200 shipped.

If you want line counting capabilities, like I did, you can spool it with metered line. I chose 30lb PowerPro Depth-Hunter.

dang you just missed some1 selling their avet sx on here earlier. That would take care of anything up here. You could prolly find a Penn reel on the cheap. Those coldwaters look nice but I think people get them mostly for targeting trout, im sure it would work just fine tho.

I went with an SXJ over the Lexa.  It was a good decision, in my not so humble opinion.  They're not currently sub-$150, but drop that low on sale ($139 usually on Tackle Direct) and are occasionally available cheaper than that used.

Thanks everyone! What’s the advantage of a conventional reel over low profile/baicaster reels? It seems conventional holds more line and maybe recovers line faster? While low-profile is easier to handle and can release the bail easier (useful for rock fishing to change depths easily it seems). I think my main concern would be durability. I want my reel to last over many seasons.

Thanks everyone! What’s the advantage of a conventional reel over low profile/baicaster reels? It seems conventional holds more line and maybe recovers line faster? While low-profile is easier to handle and can release the bail easier (useful for rock fishing to change depths easily it seems). I think my main concern would be durability. I want my reel to last over many seasons.

Preventative maintenance will help your reel last over many seasons. Clean and rinse after saltwater use. Try to avoid sand. Just basic stuff.

I use both regular round reels with the release lever and low profile with the thumb bar. The thumb bar with a level wind is easier to operate. The release lever with no level wind  is more durable with less moving parts. Line capacity isn’t really too important for NorCal kayak fishing other than perhaps sturgeon.

If this is your first conventional / baitcaster type reel I recommend getting a level wind, it's just one less thing to keep track of while fighting a fish.
 Another thing to seriously consider is right or left hand retrieve.  I fished with spinning reels for +20 yrs before using a conventional reel and it was more difficult than I anticipated to switch hands. I am more comfortable now, but all the reels I own are still left hand retrieve and I only use "standard" right hand retrieve reels when going for albacore on my buddys boat. I really dislike the right hand retrieve on the kayak. Your experience may be different.
In terms of low profile vs conventional, the low profile Coldwater is much more ergonomic & easier to use for long periods of time especially for applications like jigging, albeit at a slightly higher price. I have had my low profile Coldwater for 4yrs now and other than the line counter not always being accurate it has performed great, despite being thru a few surf  launch / landings and a couple yard sales.
Having said that I still highly recommend the tekota despite the extra cost, it is a pleasure to fish with.

Thanks everyone! What’s the advantage of a conventional reel over low profile/baicaster reels? It seems conventional holds more line and maybe recovers line faster? While low-profile is easier to handle and can release the bail easier (useful for rock fishing to change depths easily it seems). I think my main concern would be durability. I want my reel to last over many seasons.

if you're worried about longevity I would look at the warranties/service.  Shimano can service for 25 bucks and im sure okuma has a good service too, and also learn to do basic maint yourself, lots of videos out there. conventional reels aren't too bad, but low profiles take a bit of practice to get correct sometimes with washer orientations and stuff.

I’d wait till March and get a tekota with their 20% off and no sales tax sale. It’ll be within your price range and you will get a very good reel.

Another thing to seriously consider is right or left hand retrieve.  I fished with spinning reels for +20 yrs before using a conventional reel and it was more difficult than I anticipated to switch hands. I am more comfortable now, but all the reels I own are still left hand retrieve and I only use "standard" right hand retrieve reels when going for albacore on my buddys boat. I really dislike the right hand retrieve on the kayak. Your experience may be different.

+1 to this. LH reels add cost and are harder to find, but worth it IMO. I hate changing hands while fishing.
Which hand are you most comfortable lip-gripping or netting fish with? Reel with the other hand. The worst time to be switching hands is right at the crucial moment.

Durability is what you're paying for with the more-expensive reels like Avets.