Inexpensive baitcast setup...

[BlueBasser]

Hey guys I dont have a ton of money to spend so what is the best baitcast rod and reel setup I can get for 50-70 bucks just wondering your guys' preference and who has had luck with what???

[BigMike]

BlueBasser, I noticed that you are fairly new to Fishing Minnesota... Welcome! This site is packed with great information.

As to your question for a decent baitcasting combo, I would look to Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas. If you can go up to $100 you can get a BPS Extreme rod & reel combo on sale. This is a quality reel and is matched with a solid 60million modulus graphite rod. If I were to go with with seperate components, I might go with a Quantum Accurist (get the Gold version - 2005) or Shimano Coriolis (My first baitcasting reel was a coriolis in my high school days 10+ years ago and it still works great) for $60 and a $20 BPS or Cabelas Graphite Series Trigger Rod (IM-6 graphite). That would get you in around $80 plus shipping. I would encourage you to go for the combos from BPS or Cabelas for around $100 if there is any way you can afford it because you WILL get more product for you buck if you go that route. I would also be sure to swing by a couple Gander's because this time of year is perfect to scout out the sales on last years rods & reels. If you would've asked this question back in December you could have scored an IM-7 rod for $20 from Galyans as they were clearing out for the Dick's Sporting Goods take over. You still might be able to score yourself a great deal. And if all else fails maybe check out hsolist... I've heard of awesome steals on hsolist, but also of the exact opposite story.

Good luck.

[TheJester]

BlueBasser

Cabelas currently are having a sale on their E-Glass series rods. Normally they are like $35 and are on sale for $15. They are out of 6' Med. Heavy but they do have 6'6 Med. left. For reels Pflueger makes decent reels for a low price. Good Luck

[Granny]

Not sure where you located but if your around Duluth check out Gander. I picked up a $70 Diawa baitcaster and a $30 rod for $70. I think the rods and reels are 30% off.

Granny