Baitcast reel?

[Lbass67]

Hello all, Well this year I want to try a baitcast reel any suggestions for a newbe? I have been using spinning reels for years. And what Line to use would stren super braid work, and what test to use. Should mono be under the super braid.

Thanks

[Bobby Bass]

Lots of good reels out there, buy something in your price range and I think more important is find someone who knows how to cast one and will show you how. A different animal then spinning gear. Buy it now and start practicing. A few more adjustment to be made when using a bait caster, don't get discouraged distance and accuracy will come, and don't toss your spinning gear, plenty of times you will need that instead of the bait caster. I am sure many will jump in here with their pet baitcasters.

[Lbass67]

My price range would be 80 to 100 or so, do not want to go over for the first one. I have been looking at gander and fleet farm the last few weeks. What gear ratio to get also, I see 2 to 6, I would be casting from shore most of the time, Any help would be great. I use scum frogs, Buzzbaits, spinners, jerk baits alot, some senkos to.

[Bobb-o]

I just picked up a pinnacle metal xl10 at gander on sale for $69, the smoothest baitcast reel i have ever handled, have one shimano already and this reel is way better. IMHO

[TurnUpTheFishing]

pflueger makes some nice baitcasting reels for that price. Also Id match it with a MH 6'6" or 7' rod

Id go with mono on a baitcaster 10-12 lb. Unless you plan to mostly fish really thick cover like pads (you mentioned scumfrogs) then Id go with braided, 40 lb at the minimum.

[Deitz Dittrich]

For $100 go with the Shimano Cruxis.. its last years Curado that was the top selling baitcaster on the market for years...

[Lbass67]

Thanks ALL

[Ralph Wiggum]

I can't say anything about the Cruxis, but if Deitz says it's the Curado of the past few years, it's a great reel and I'd recommend it.

[sightfisher]

Definitely go with the Cruxis. One mistake many make when getting their 'first' baitcast reel is buying a lesser priced one 'to get the feel of that style.' Well, buy a cheaper baitcaster and you will be turned off; it's not like buying a cheaper spinning reel. What you pay with a casting reel has a very direct connection to how it will perform, and ultimately how you will respond. The Cruxis is a tried and true design(old curado), anyone would agree.

[riverrat56]

Don't buy a cheapy casting reel, it turns into a nightmare, tried it two times now, both times have really discouraged me buy I have decided to bite the bullet and buy a higher priced and quality reel this year. I'm just getting into the market as well so thanks for the suggestions everyone.

[cableguy031]

You know what they say, you get what you paid for. I've owned and used a Shimano Curado SF for 3 years now, and I'd like to see someone take it out of my hands. It took me a while to get use to the action of casting a bait casting reel vs a spinning reel.

In my opinion, I'm a Shimano guy and nothing else but Shimano,that's just my preference. I got the reel for my birthday but it cost my GF about $200 w/tax. I don't know what your spending limit is or how much you're willing to spend, but if you want to save up a bit more, you can buy a really decent one.

As far as practicing with it, I can show you a few pointers and tips on how to use it. Trust me, I've had many many backlashes, I'm not even going to lie. I've also invented a few new words during the backlashes, too. Anyhow, if you need more tips and how to use it, let me know. You can email me here:

[email protected]

[Lbass67]

Say the shimano at fleet farm today looks nice, Any thoughts on pfluger(sp?) reels? are they any good? And what would be a good rod combo be. Thanks

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've heard some good things about Pflueger baitcasters but have never tried them. I do have several of their spinning reels and like them a lot. Plus, their customer service is top notch (I sent in an old one with a worn out bearing and received an entirely new reel for free). I've got a Trion and President. They're both nice, but the President is just awesome. I've heard that the President baitcaster is on par with the Curado BSF. I think the lesser ones are pretty nice, too, but you'd have to decide how much you want to spend.

[MNBassin2006]

I have several president baitcasters and love them. have held up nicely through 2 seasons. nice power, good casting capabilities. And for the price....can't beat it. I am lookking at a supreme for this year....have to see if the boss will let me get it

[grab the net]

A shimano Citica would make a great reel for you also. Take a look at one, price is decent. A second thought is the pfleuger President, very solid reel. The technique your using will normally dictate the type of line. Several different braids out there to try, I like Spectra, 20 lb.

[Boedigheimer]

Lbass67, my favorite is the Abu Garcia 5500. Reliable and tank-proof

[bucketmouth64]

I have to agree with the Pflueger Trion. Great reel and great customer service. If you want to look at store brands look at BP's Rick Clunn or Extreme reels. I've had good luck with those reels too. Just make sure you get one piece aluminum frames (just my preference).