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best baitcasting reel?

bnbrk94

By bnbrk94
in Open Water

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ScottND Community Regular

ScottND

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25 years ago I started baitcasting and got hooked. I bought two Shimano Bantams. I'm righthanded but bought them left handed because to me it made more sense not to switch hands. Whether it does or not who knows? Anyway, since then, I very seldom use spinning any more. These two reels have been through hundreds of thousands, if not millions of casts because I got hooked on fishing walleyes in the weeds and timber in Devils Lake ND with cranks back in the late 70's. They've also spent thousands of hours trolling cranks for whatever would bite. Since moving from central ND to Fargo they've had thousands of casts in MN waters for Bass, Muskie and Northerns, plus trolling.

I have never replaced one part in either except a couple screws that I didn't keep tight. A few years ago I bought a Shimano 401 Calcutta for Muskie, a Browning for Bass (looks like Bass Pro must have bought out their reels) and this year (yet to be used) an Abu Garcia D6. The one thing I wish both had, that my Shimano Bantams have, is the external magnetic spool brake to stop birdnesting when casting in to the wind. I think it's a must!

Things I want to do yet is get a linecounting trolling reel and, if I find the right deal, a new Pflueger president. Oh, and maybe a second boat to tow all my rods and reels in, cuz God knows you have to have a reel for every rod and a rod for every reel and you can't leave any at home! I used to carry nine setups with, this year it should go to 13. I'm also sitting here at 2am on FM, wide awake because there's only 61 days, 21 hrs, 42 min's, and 23 sec's left until Opener!

Fishing anonymous anyone? Let's meet at DL, OK!

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CrappieJohn Veteran

CrappieJohn

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I have a Bantam and use it only for jigging walleyes at this time of year on the Miss. River. I also have a few of the The Ambassadors in both C3 and C4. While these reels get a workout from jigging as well, they also get line changes a bit later on and are used for casting for smallies and northerns on Mille Lacs and the river backwaters. I have had several of the Shimanos and no longer own them. The Ambassadors are fine reels and the cost is about 1/2 of the equivilent Shimano or Diawa.

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fisherdog19 Proficient

fisherdog19

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Abu does make a baitcaster with the external magnetic brakes, it was new for last year. I forget the model# but it is gold in color. You can also buy an attachment that replaces the side cap on the Abu's that converts your reels into a line counter, I believe it's around $25. It fits quite a few Abu models. Another brand you may want to look at would be Tica, in my opinion, they make the best ice fishing reel period! Their open water reels are not far behind. I recently purchased a Tica Taurus on hsolist for $108 that retails in stores for $199 and it is the finest reel I have ever had in my hands. I know they make some nice baitcasters in both the round and low profile versions. Check them out on hsolist.

Fisherdog

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Wayne Ek Mentor

Wayne Ek

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Before I get started, yes Quantum is one of my sponcors. Take a look at the New Accurist PT or the AC 500 (not new). Both have 5 bearings and come left or right handed. Also, the flipping switch is a great feature for walleye guys when rigging or using bouncers, all one handed opertation.

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Deitz Dittrich Grand Master

Deitz Dittrich

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I'm going to throw out hte Shimano Curado.. its Shimano's #1 selling baitcaster, and I think its the nations #1 selling baitcaster... but I could be incorrect... Give it a good long look! it has an centrifugal anti back last system similar to the magnets only better.

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Deitz Dittrich Grand Master

Deitz Dittrich

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Gpsman- I suppose it would be easier with an uneducated thumb to get the ole birds nest with a super free version of the Curado. However, the curado, both the regular and the SF version have both the spool break like most reels and it also has the VBS(variable breaking system) which uses centrifugal force rather than magnets to aid in controlling the cast. When turned on, the individual brake weights are forced outward at the beginning of the cast when backlashes most often occur, causing friction that reduces the speed of the spool. So, by putting more of these breaks out you can stop the backlash from even starting with the SF system.. However, the more breaks you have out, the shorter your cast will be...

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Deitz Dittrich Grand Master

Deitz Dittrich

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Fish Bill-

Its all in how the spool is attached to the spool.. the Curado SF has a bearing supported pinion gear system which eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased freespool.

This directly from the shimano web page..

Quote:

SF was designed to eliminate friction on the spool shaft during the cast. In standard baitcasting reels, when the clutch bar is pressed down, the pinion gear is freed and actually can drag on the spool shaft creating friction that can limit the length of a cast. With SF the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing so that when the clutch is disengaged in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in perfect alignment. The result is zero friction upon the spool shaft.

So yes, they are quite different, but both have the same anti backlast VBS system. the SF will cost you $30 more dollars I believe.

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Corey Bechtold Veteran

Corey Bechtold

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bnbrk94, I have owned several companies' baitcasters and it all depends on how you are going to fish, what for, and what techniques. I see you are going to be using it to cast for Bass and Pike. I have 3 Abu Garcia 5600C4 reels that I use for Bass, Pike, Muskies, and even fit one with the Abu Garcia digital line counter. What I love about these reels is that they are simple to use. I don't have to take the reel apart to adjust the brakes and have little to no problems with backlashes. I also love the high speed retrieve that they have. 6.3:1 high speed can save you if that big Bass/Pike/Muskie decides to try and take you to a place you don't want to go. It also has good power for ripping hooksets and a drag system that is built to last. The thumb bar makes for easy casting and the reel fits good in your hands. I feel that this is one of the best baitcasting reels you can get for the money, period.

Good Luck,

Corey Bechtold

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Bushwacker Mentor

Bushwacker

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Quote:

Fish Bill-

Its all in how the spool is attached to the spool.. the Curado SF has a bearing supported pinion gear system which eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased freespool.

This directly from the shimano web page..

Quote:

SF was designed to eliminate friction on the spool shaft during the cast. In standard baitcasting reels, when the clutch bar is pressed down, the pinion gear is freed and actually can drag on the spool shaft creating friction that can limit the length of a cast. With SF the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing so that when the clutch is disengaged in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in perfect alignment. The result is zero friction upon the spool shaft.

So yes, they are quite different, but both have the same anti backlast VBS system. the SF will cost you $30 more dollars I believe.

To add one more thing about the SF, the spool is a wiffle spool which is lighter, and supposedly can generate more speed faster. That also helps with casting distance along with what Deitz mentioned above. I bought a SF last spring and it took a few casts and a few adjustments to get it down, but once I did I fell in love with the reel. You can cast a 1/16th oz. worm a long ways. I can actually cast a light lure further with the SF, than I can with a spinning reel.

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HawgTide Rising Star

HawgTide

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I have a shimano Castaic SF. It's a very nice reel and will cast a mile. It has a neat feature in the thumb bar, which is a rocker. You can engage the spool with your thumb if you want. It's great for flipping. I'm not sure what the difference is between this one and the Curado SF other than the "rocker" thumb bar and the price. It goes for about $170.

I also love the Presidents. They cast great and are extremely smooth and quiet.

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