Goose52

I like the BPS ProLite reel and was thinking of getting another one and don't see them on the BPS web site. Anyone got any scoop on this reel? Maybe they clearanced it and there will be a new 2010 model?

I'm a fan of this reel and have three of the 2009 models with dual braking. However, so far they have only had two gear ratios - 6.4 and 7.1. I visited the BPS web site today and just noticed that they added two new ratios - 4.7 and 5.2. They have the line recovery rate wrong on the web site but I would expect these reels to be down in the 19" to 21" range. I'm not trying to reopen the argument as to whether you really need a slow reel for cranking ... but if you like slow reels, here's another option. Now, I have to wait until they mark them down to $80 (they're at full price right now - $100).

WOW - high praise indeed! Thanks!! I have modern stuff (meaning mid-1980s or newer) for my primary fishing gear, but I also have many fond memories of the early days and I still fish this old stuff occasionally just for grins. Now, I need to take that Lido back from my wife and go catch a bass on it (hopefully, it still has some sort of working drag after reeling in the 4 3/4 pounder 42 years ago)...

Gosh, thanks - I'm sorta speechless on that! I'm really enjoying seeing all the modern stuff in this thread but to add a bit of a blast from the past I went out to the garage and took another photo. I got the Ted Williams 400 as a gift from my Dad probably around 1959 or 1960 - it was my only reel for about 6 years and caught a lot of fish. I fished it this year on a 60s vintage solid glass rod - caught two little bass and put it away 'till next year. (Those solid glass rods sure make you appreciate a modern graphite rod!) The Lido (what the heck is a Lido!) spincast reel I got for one book of SSS trading stamps. For a rod, I had found a 5.5' plastic handle casting rod laying on the bank on Tamiami Trail in South Florida. I cut off the plastic handle, bought a metal ferrule for a couple bits, and then bought a new chucked handle for a buck or two. So, the whole rig cost me a book of trading stamps and about $2.50 cash. In the summer of 1967 (my last year living in FL) I was trolling a Rapala (or maybe a Rebel) with the Lido rig down a canal off the Trail and caught a 4 3/4 lb largemouth...I remember it well..... I have the Lido mounted now on a cheap BPS rod for use by my wife. Lotsa memories !

Can't have mine - I bought it new in '72...still have it!

WOW - there are some outstanding rigs in this thread! My humble battery is all low- to mid-range stuff...just tools... Some of the reels date back to the 1960s and there's another half-dozen rods up in the attic.

I guess that BPS reels are controversial in that some question the long-term servicing and parts availability. However, they seem well made and offer features (like dual braking) that are only found on reels costing much more. This year, I bought 2 Pro-Qualifiers, 1 ProLite, and 1 Rick Clunn direct from BPS - I got all of them on sale at $80 each. I bought another 2009 model Pro-Qualifier off of eBay for $40. All 3 of these models have dual braking (both magnetic and centrifugal), good bearings, and seem to be great values for the money. The dual braking is just great. For most baits, I set two brakes on the centrifugal, then I have the magnetic to fine tune for a specific bait or wind condition. I was throwing a 1/6oz bait with the ProLite the other day, INTO a pretty stiff wind, with no backlashes - just had to crank in a bit more mag braking and still had good casting distance. Other than stopping the spool at the end of the cast, you can literally tune these to cast "thumb-free." I have not personally used the Extreme reel but have heard many people say (as was mentioned above) that they should be considered the entry-level of the BPS line and to not go any cheaper. I have been tempted to pick up one of the $99 Extreme rod/reel combos, but I'm getting pretty spoiled with the dual-braking and don't want to go back to mag-only.

My biggest LMB is shown in my avatar - 26" - 7lb 12oz (skinny guy) - caught just last month on a 3/8 oz Roostertail inline spinner thrown on a 6.5' baitcaster with 12lb mono. Pure luck - fishing off the bank and just tossing the spinner blind along the bank - must have conked him on the head and ticked him off and got a reaction bite ! Speaking of luck and inline spinners, I got a 20lb channel cat on a 1/4 oz Roostertail the month before that (September). It was a fun fish because I was using a 5.5' spinning rod with 6lb mono. It was clear water with no cover or other chance of a break-off so I just loosened the drag and let him take line - about 15 minutes to get him on the bank. Between that cat and this bass, I think I've just about used up all my fishing luck for quite a while. But Roostertails (of all things) are certainly now my "confidence baits" !

After being a shore-bound angler all my life, next year I will get a canoe, rig it for fishing, and get off the bank! 8-) For tackle/technique, I will get a new fly rod outfit (to replace my mid-1960s glass rod set-up), and get back into fly fishing for bass and brim (after a 40+ year hiatus). Lastly, since I just retired, I will try to get out fishing at least 4 times a week. 2010 should be a great year!

Another vote for the BPS ProLite reel. I've got it on a BPS Extreme 6' ML rod and throwing 1/6 oz baits. I've got 8lb mono on it now but might try 6lb when I re-spool in the spring.