Note: This is part of a series targeting toward beginners about straightening your learning curve with a baitcast reel. To see part one on why to get a baitcast combo, click here: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/154372-trials-and-errors-with-a-baitcaster-pt-1-why-get-a-baitcast-combo/
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So we've talked about your choice to buy a baitcasting reel in part one of the series. Let's say you've decided to give them a try. You go online and start looking around. Wow! There's a lot of choices! There's Shimano, Abu Garcia, Lew's, Diawa, Pfleuger, Ardent, Wright & McGill, Megabass, Duckett, Quantum, Okuma, and Pinnacle, just to name some of the better known ones. Don't even get started on rods.
So what are you looking for in a good combo?
First, don't skimp on quality.
Most pros will tell you, don't go under $100.00 for your first reel. If you're really budget minded, you can probably safely go down to $75.00. There are reels under that price range that will perform decently for you, but investing a little more money and getting a nicer reel is always worth it. It will last longer and make your experience smoother. I would be more lenient with rods. You can get a surprisingly sensitive rod that will last for as low as $40.00 Obviously, if you have the money, get a nice rod, but if you're on a big budget, you can skimp a little here and get by just fine. Buying used always is an option. You can get a nice rod or reel for a lot cheaper if you get it off of Ebay or the Flea Market here on Bass Resource. Buying anything used is always a little risky, but this is a great option for you if you're looking to save money.
Stick with a Name Brand.
I don't swear by a specific brand, simply because I haven't tried a lot. Probably the four best known and most trusted companies are Shimano, Abu Garcia, Lews, and Diawa. Some people swear by X brand, and say everything else is junk, and some people like trying lots of different brands. Whatever your opinions are, make sure you plan a trip to Bass Pro and try out the reel you want to get and see how it feels in your hand. You don't want to get a reel you don't like the feel of. The same with rods. Find one in your price range that feels good in your hand and has good ratings online. For the record, I picked up a Lews Tournament MG Speed Spool, and have been really pleased with my choice.
Make the choice between profiles.
What about those big round reels? Those are designed after the original baitcast reel with a larger profile. Some people really like them, others don't. Due the sake of simplicity and ease of palming the reel, I'd stick with a low-profile for your first reel.
Figure out what side the handle should be.
Typically, if you're right-handed, you cast with your right hand, switch your reel to your left hand, who palms it while you're reeling, and reel with your right hand. So the handle will be on the right side. Vice versa with left-handers. Some people like to mix it up, but typically what I've outlined works for most people. Make sure you get a reel with the handle on the right side!
Find some good sales.
Waiting till Black Friday can really pay off. I found a reel that typically retails for around $140.00 for $50.00 brand new! That's some big time savings! Sites like Gander Mountain, Cabelas, and Tackle Warehouse all had really good deals and rebates last year. I would really recommend buying your reel on Black Friday if you can wait and would like to save money.
In the end, don't complicate things. Research helps. I did a good bit of online looking, asking, and reading before I bought my first, and it paid off. My reel has been performing flawlessly. But the most important thing is gaining confidence with casting the reel. That's what we'll be looking at in the next few parts of the series.
