Daiwa Fuego LT

The best reels for beginners are the Daiwa Fuego or Tatula CT and Shimano SLX XT. These reels greatly outperform lower-priced options for 20-35 more in cost. They have better brakes leading to fewer problems with backlashing as a beginner. They cast farther plus will be good for years.

Daiwa Fuego LT. The Pfleuger President isn’t a bad reel, but it can’t compare to the Daiwa Fuego. The Fuego has a bigger main gear (more durable), a dual bearing pinion support (one bearing at the top of the pinion gear, one on the bottom) which is a more durable design and it makes the reel smoother under load, it’s overall more refined feeling (smoother, lighter, less play between parts) and it has a system that keeps water out of the guts of the reel (magseal). A way better choice at around $100.

I upgraded to a Daiwa Fuego a couple years ago when they were routinely found for $80, so it wasn't a huge investment and it's been a lot better than the Blackmax was. Like the other reply mentioned, cheap reels are just not as finely tuned. Their durability isn't good either, but if you only fish on weekends it probably won't matter. If you want to upgrade, stick to Daiwa or Shimano and you'll notice the difference right away.