Baitcaster

[gac12]

Hey guys after reading about all the advantages Im finally wising up and going to purchase a baitcaster. (hopefully I will no longer break anymore spinning rods on my jig and pig set ups its getting expensive to ship the broken ones back) I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions on a reasonably priced combo that would be a good starting rod as I learn how to use a baitcaster.

[zepman]

Well, take your pick. How about a Shimano Clarus 7' MH casting rod teamed up with a Quantum Accurist for well uner 200.00 bucks.

[Aaron Carrell]

Well considering the Shimano Curado 200's are down to $139, I say they're hard to beat honestly for a reel. The rod is mostly going to be preference on brand though depending on your price point.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Rod is really going to depend a lot on what you want it to do.. From your post, I can safely assume you want it to be a jig rod. Any decent 7'MH will do, you may want longer 7'6", but its really all on what you prefer. As for reel, I would not skimp too much, the reels sold under $100 can be harder to adjust than the higher quality ones. The Shiamno Citica is a very good option, decent reel that will not break the bank. If you can afford the Curado, its a very good option as well.

[cjac]

The big "C" outdoor store has Curados online for $120..... I didn't need one, but I have another on the way. Great reel if you can swing the price tag.

[gac12]

Thanks guys I know it was a really open ended but this will give me a good place to start!

[BassKnuckles]

I love my Abu Garcia Veritas rods, they feel great they feel light and they run about $100 or cheaper if they are on sale.

For a reel I am with anyone that says the Curado, it's well worth the price. I just picked mine up a couple months ago. I also like the Abu Garcia Revo's.

[mww24]

the citica is a great reel. can probably find them for around 100 right now.

[PartyWhine]

My favorite baitcaster is the old Abu Garcia 521 XLT plus.

Anybody else still use or remember this reel ?

The reason is simple ... the ability to quickly change spools.

As a newbie, your gonna want that.

Only a matter of time before you bird nest it.

For example, I taught my nephew to cast it in a day.

But .... I had a spool in the reel and 4 spares in my tackle box.

Came back with 4 bird nested.

Think about it.

About 50 bucks on auction sites, last time I looked, including extra spool.

FYI ... my original 1 is 30 years old, works like new.

All metal, Made in Sweden.

First time you birdnest, one or the other, I'll bet you remember this post.

[cjac]

My favorite baitcaster is the old Abu Garcia 521 XLT plus.

Anybody else still use or remember this reel ?

Wow, a blast from the past, funny thing is I just had this reel in my hands last weekend at the cabin. Still kickin' 21 years later, despite the rubber handle paddles breaking down a bit.

I took a 521XLT to Lake Utik in Manitoba pike fishing way back in 1990 as my primary reel, with two spools of 20 Trilene mono on a 6'6" MH bass rod more or less. Held up well, caught a lot of big fish, and yes, the spool was switched out a few times due to operator error!

[RK]

I have a 521 sitting on the shelf right behind me. Great reels. The old Abu Black Max was another good one. Still use it muskie fishing sometimes, and it's my wife's favorite muskie reel by far.

To the original post, the Curados being closed out are great reels for the money, for sure.

For rods, I'm really becoming partial to Powells (to the point of pretty much replacing all my other casting rods with them). Can't beat them on bang for the buck. For a multi-purpose do a little of everything baitcasting rod, a Powell Max 703 is tough to beat - especially for $139.

[PartyWhine]

I have a 521 sitting on the shelf right behind me. Great reels.

I'll ask for gac12..... is it for sale ?

Here's my roster ... it hasn't changed in decades.

Always in the boat, all 4 using identical spools.

2 x RH 521 XLT w/ syncro drag

1 x RH XLT "Sprint" (6.2/1 gear ratio)

1 x RH 521 XLT

Occasionally in the boat

1 x LH XLT 521 ... a favorite for trolling, when my LH is on the tiller

1 x LH XLT 521 "2" ... my muskie reel, identical, but upsized.

[thatoneguy]

I need another baitcasting reel like I need another hole in my head, but I've heard so many people rave about the Curado, I think I might go pick one up since the price is soooooo right.

You know, just in case. Kinda like how when I go buy it I'll also buy some more jigs and soft plastics. And maybe a crankbait.

Just in case.

[bASS_BLASTER]

For years I've tried using a baitcast [bC]. Each time was failure. Each time I sold it or returned it the same day and I hated BC. Then I met a friend who showed me how to use one and it was within minutes I understood it and within months I became a pro at it. Same with my brother, same with my buddies....they all hated BC b/c nobody showed them how to use it.

Not sure how comfortable you're with on a BC but if its your first time, have someone who uses BC set it up for you properly and how to cast. The process will be a lot less frustrating, you will learn quicker and you will like BC. No point of owning a $300 setup and you hate it, sell it or return it.

[RK]

I'll ask for gac12..... is it for sale ?

Nope... although you can find them online if you look I suppose. I'm a haphazard collector of old reels, and have quite a few Abus, so the 521 is part of that collection right now. Sits right between my 5000D and my 6000 HS Striper

As good a reels as they are, they have been bypassed by newer models though. Amazing how good a reel you can get for less than $100 if you look around.

[Igor Drackenwolf]

For what it's worth, I picked up a few of these Okuma Cayenne baitcaster reels last week. They are a very good reel, normally retailing for about $140, but because they are upgrading to a new model, they are on closeout for about $70 apiece. Check it out and judge for yourself.

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