Best Baitcaster ~$100

[jparker98]

As the topic suggests, trying to find out what you guys think is the best Baitcaster around or under $100. Looking to grab another reel and am having a hard time deciding...here are a few I'm considering.

BPS Pro Qualifier

Shimano Caenan

Daiwa Exceller

Open to other suggestions too, I'd prefer to buy new rather than used since I don't really know what to look for on a used reel.

[hooah212002]

I've heard LOTS of good things about the Black Max or Silver Max and you'd have money to spare.

[Chris Wilson]

Black max is very good. Walmart sells them for about 50$. I'd suggest buying 150 yards of 30 or 50lb braid to go with it.

[Capt.Bob]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEWS-SPEED-SPOOL-SS1SH-7-1-1-HIGHSPEED-RIGHTHANDED-LOW-PROFILE-BAITCASTING-REEL-/180952846037?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a21a14ed5

What more can I say.

[sarcazmo]

For 100 I REALLY like the BPS Pro Qualifier.

If you dont mind buying used there can be deals to be had here in the flea market and on ebay.

[rockchalk06]

For 100 dollars the Pro Qualifier is the mac daddy. For 20-30 dollars more you can get some very nice reels as well. Abu Revo S, you can get some new or used Gen 2 STX and SX's for 120 ish too

[thehooligan]

I know you said you dont want used, but you should be able to find a nice good condition used curado for $100 on ebay.

[skeletor6]

http://www.ebay.com/...=item2a21a14ed5

What more can I say.

X2!!!

Here's one cheaper

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Speed-Spool-Baitcast-Freshwater-Fishing-Reel-7-1-1-Right-Hand-RH-SS1SH-/270852890423?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f10171f37

[deep]

http://www.ebay.com/...=item2ebf9b7bde

http://www.ebay.com/...=item51a163649c

http://www.ebay.com/...=item20cb3be56e

All 3 are less than or around $110. (I'm not familiar with prices for RH reels.)

I'm not sure why you don't want to get a used reel. It will save you money, and get you more bang for your buck. I recommend a Curado B or a Citica D; the latter (I have 2 of them) I like better than the Citica E.

Of the 3 reels you're thinking about; I'd probably only consider the Pro Qualifier. (And I'll take the Citica E over a PQ any day.) The Caenan has a graphite frame; and although I'm 100% Shimano guy, both casting and spinning, I won't buy a reel lower than the Citica. The Exceller I have no opinion of; except that it's not a Shimano, and not worth my time. Might work out well for you or someone else though. I have had ordinary to bad luck with non-Shimano reels, and after a lot of wasted money and time, I just stick to what I know will work.

[LgMouthGambler]

Out of the 3 that you list, I would go with the BPS Pro Qual. Othewise, pay an extra $30 and get the Shimano Citica.

[retiredbosn]

I own everything from a BP Pro Qualifier to a Curado E, for a hundred bucks the PQ is hard to beat. There is at least one guy on Ebay selling the Tournament Speed Spool the 150 reel for 118, and the tournament spool with just mag breaks for 99. Those are a deal from what I know about the Lews. If you wait a little while the PQ's will be on sale for around 70bucks, good luck

[TNBassin']

Black max is very good. Walmart sells them for about 50$. I'd suggest buying 150 yards of 30 or 50lb braid to go with it.

The Black Max is a great reel for the money. Mine casts a mile, and is smooth as butter. It's a great all purpose reel without breaking the bank.

[jparker98]

I'm currently using a Pinnacle Deadbolt Pro that I picked up for $17 at Dick's on clearance. I'm sure it's considered an entry level reel and I have 0 complaints about it so far (3 weeks of use), but I'm wanting to make a step up that's why I wasn't really looking at the BlackMax type reels.

It sounds like people using Shimano love their reels so maybe I'll hold off a little longer and grab a Curado or Citica (not sure of the differences between them if someone could explain). Only reason I was steering clear of used is because I'm new and wasn't really sure what to look for when buying used.

Also, do they typically have sales on fishing gear over the winter months? I'm not in any hurry to get a new setup since I probably only have a month of fishing left up here anyways so if I could wait till the winter and get more for my money that's an option.

[MarkH024]

If you have a Bass Pro Shops close to home, wait until the Spring Fever sale where you can trade a reel in for a discount on the purchase of a new one. I like shimano reels, but I also have a few Quantums that I really like too. I have one Abu C4000 for Musky fishing. I like ALL my reels but most of my confidence is in my Shimano reels. You will be happy with a Curado, that I assure you. So save some bucks and take advantage of the reel deal at Bass Pro next spring. You can take in ANY working reel to get the discount. Whether it was a $5 reel from Walmart or an antique from grandpa's shed. If it functions, they take it.

[jparker98]

If you have a Bass Pro Shops close to home, wait until the Spring Fever sale where you can trade a reel in for a discount on the purchase of a new one. I like shimano reels, but I also have a few Quantums that I really like too. I have one Abu C4000 for Musky fishing. I like ALL my reels but most of my confidence is in my Shimano reels. You will be happy with a Curado, that I assure you. So save some bucks and take advantage of the reel deal at Bass Pro next spring. You can take in ANY working reel to get the discount. Whether it was a $5 reel from Walmart or an antique from grandpa's shed. If it functions, they take it.

Ahh, that's good to know...I have both a BPS and a Cabela's about 45 minutes away from me...I'll keep my eyes open for their sales.

[roadwarrior]

You can find some great deals on "gently used" gear in our Flea Market.

A Citicia E should run $85-$100; Curado E $115-$125. I prefer the 50E

with the smaller frame, but I own both this and the 200. I bought both of

the reels off the Flea Market.

[new2BC4bass]

Right hand or left hand reel?

[jparker98]

Right hand or left hand reel?

Right hand.

[jparker98]

Looking around on CraigsList I found a Shimano Citica Bantam 200 for $50. Says it's new in the box and has never been used...good deal?

[Arv]

Without knowing all the details I say good deal for sure. I've got 3 shimano's (2 Citica's and 1 Curado) and I like them all a lot.

[LexBass]

You can find the Citica on sale for under $100.00 right now. I have two for spares and they are fantastic reels for the pric.

[Topwaterspook]

I'm a Shimano guy through and through. For the money, I really don't think you can beat a Curado. On the other hand, last week I bought the discontinued Abu Garcia Revo Winch for $144.99. That price even included the shipping. I put it on a 7'-6" crankbait rod. Even though this is my first Abu Garcia I really like it. If you can pony up a few more bucks and can find this reel. I think you'll be quite pleased. Good luck and tight lines.

[Bassin' gal]

I will probably be laughed off the board but my very favorite reel is a Pflueger Echelon. Hubby got it for me and he ended up loving it so much (and using it so much!) that I bought him one so he would leave mine alone. Watch for a good sale and you can get two for the $100.

[Jake P]

At exactly 100$ the PQ is unbeatable. Buy it, you won't regret it for a second.

[rubba bubba]

At exactly 100$ the PQ is unbeatable. Buy it, you won't regret it for a second.

Of course it's beatable - it goes on sale every few months and then you can get it for $79.