Choosing A Baitcaster For Jerkbaits

[Kowen117]

I stripped the gears on one of my baitcaster yesterday on a 3lber, and it is not worth fixing. I am looking to upgrade to a nicer baitcaster in the $100-150 range. It will be used for soft and hard jerkbaits 90% of the time the other 10% is jigs, shakey heads, and topwaters. So which baitcaster is your favorite for these applications? What gear ratio should a be looking at?

[kylek]

Out of the ones you listed I have only tried the Lew's and love it. My father in law just picked up two of the Citicas and he really likes them.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I have found reels with a 28 IPT pick-up seem to be optimal for jerkbaits.

[smalljaw67]

Most reels in that price range are pretty good from all the companies so the brand choice is up to you. For hard and soft jerkbaits look for a 6.2:1 or somewhere in that range and don't overlook the 7.1:1, When it is cold and you have to let a hard plastic jerkbait sit motionless on slack line to get a bite, that is when you really appreciate the fast reel. In the warmer months when the fish usually hit and run with the bait you can get by with slower but I wouldn't go under the 6.2:1.

[quanjig]

Try to find a calcutta on ebay. 150 or 200 model.

[BASSclary]

Find a curado 50e. That is what you want, and will love

[outdoorsman110]

Find a curado 50e. That is what you want, and will love

x2 or Lew's.

[radtech]

I'm an abu guy and since tackle warehouse has dropped their prices I say revo sx for 129. they also have the revo s for 99! I have no experience with the others mentioned so I can't comment. Good luck with your purchase I'm sure you will be happy with any of the one's you have mentioned!

[tomustang]

Shame the shimano $30 rebate program ended the 22nd

[LgMouthGambler]

I would look online to find a Curado 200E7.

[Five-Alive]

Find a curado 50e. That is what you want, and will love

Tackle Warehouse had the old 50 E on sale for $158, other sponsors mnay have them as well. Great reel!!

[Bass Junkie]

Pick up one of the Revo STX's on sale at Tackle Warehouse right now. You will never look back.

[K_Mac]

Since the question is best for the price, I voted other. For $80 the BPS Pro Qualifier is my choice. I just added one for throwing cranks, and it does everything I need it to do. I prefer the 6.4:1 for most applications, including jerk baits. Since most of the work is done with the rod for JBs, the 7.0:1 would also be a good choice.

[piscicidal]

I use a Curado 50E on a 6'6" M/F Avid for jerkbaits and I feel that combo is pretty close to perfect for this fishing. That little 50E can sling a 78mm pointer a mile.

I just love the setup and its a lot of fun to fish.

[J Francho]

I used a couple reels for this recently to see what I REALLY prefer. I have a zillion 7.1:1, A Chronarch 200e7, and a purple Aphas. By far, my favorite is the little Alphas. I keep going back to it. It's small size and slower ratio works well with jerkbaits. You can find similar Sols in your price range.