best baitcasting reel under 500 Fishing Reels - Casting 6.5:1 Gear Ratio Speed Spool Baitcaster Reels The Catfish Pro Fishing For Fun 500 Round Baitcasting Fishing Reel is a right Shimano Tranx Reel

The trigger underneath the reel doesnt rub your fingers raw, even when you fish a jerkbait all day long, which is actually kind of tough to find in a rod

It uses a centrifugal force as opposed to magnets for improved casting

This stand-up combo will provide heavy-duty performance while staying lightweight for comfortable all-day fishing, this combo will feel like an extension of your arm while having plenty of backbone for landing that fish of a lifetime

Note too that this reel comes only in 4000, 6000, 8000, and 12000 sizes

If money is a factor, you would honestly be better purchasing an older Ambassadeur 5000 (the red reel) from the 1970's and putting a better hand on it