Suggestions Needed For Beginner's Baitcaster...

[SudburyBasser]

I've decided that this summer I'm going to create a dedicated crankbait rod and reel combo and that it may be a baitcaster setup.

Here's the thing though, the only experience I have with them is quite limited and exclusive to an old low-end Shimano baitcaster (a Bantam Crestfire CR200A) my barber gave me because he doesn't use baitcasters.

So here's my request: I'm not worried about the rod because I can handle that but I need a suggestion for something that a beginner could use that's not too expensive but offers decent quality. Or should I just stick with the Shimano I have and upgrade in the future?

[LgMouthGambler]

Get the new Citica G at least, if your going to buy a new reel.

[5fishlimit]

I was a first time convert to baitcasting this past year, and got the entry level Lew's speed spool.

My local tackle shop let me try it, and a few others in the $100 price range out in the parking lot, and was the happiest with the Lew's.

Great quality, easy use, and very smooth.

Good luck with your choice!

[Sun Fish]

The Abu Garcia Max series are under $100 and great starter reels. I learned how to cast a baitcaster with a Black Max and have since upgraded to several Revos but I still use my Black Maxes as well.

[LgMouthGambler]

if you know that a BC is something your going to get into & continue to use...the smartest thing is get something decent that you can reasonably afford for the long run...having a quality BC will give you 2 things, performance & it'll be more of a pleasure/enjoyable to use...

Very true

[A-Jay]

This is worth watching ~

A-Jay

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/adjust-baitcasting-baitcaster.html

[skeletor6]

How about an H20 mettle? Sure its not a shimano, but its hard to beat that for its price when its on sale. I prefer centrifugal breaking over the magnets and I've used mine and it has no problem casting crankbaits at all.

Great warranty on the reel too, if you mess up and break something its free replacement and you can actually get some pretty good distance on it too. And if you decide you don't like casting gear you won't be out that much $

Seriously though if your using crankbaits its so much nicer to use a baitcaster than spinning gear. Unless your tossing really light cranks.

You said your set on the reel but if your looking to stay cheap get a shimano sellus or berkley lightning rod. Dont be discouraged if at first you aren't great, there's a learning curve.

[roadwarrior]

The Citica is VERY user friendly. New or used, this would be a great reel to start with.

[kowz76]

The Citica is VERY user friendly. New or used, this would be a great reel to start with.

Agreed. I bought one last spring as my first baitcaster. Has worked out very well.

[Brian Needham]

the entry level Lew's speed spool is hard to beat, can be found on Ebay for $75, maybe a shade less. not a better BC out there for the price.

[EvanT123]

Abu Garcia Orra SX about 50 bucks on eBay

[Jig Man]

Don't think about entry level. Buy a good reel that will last you for a long time and be easy to use. I have tried lots of brands and found the most reliable for me is the Shimano. The Citica is a good reel and not in the entry class but in the semi entry price. I'd get it if that were my price range if I could swing it I'd get the Curado E5. I bought one last summer for cranking and that thing is awesome.

[retiredbosn]

IMO I would suggest a Bass Pro Shop Pro Qualifier, this spring it will be on sale for around 75 bucks. Very user friendly, dual brakes centrifugal and magnetic, set up properly and its nearly impossible to backlash. I learned on a reel with mag brakes, after using cent brakes I doubt I will ever have mag only brakes again. I've owned pinnacle, Shimano Curados, Abu Garcia EXT Pros and C-3&4, Quantum Accurist and BPS reels, in the bps I've had Johnny Morris signature, extremes, and pro qualifier. IMO the pro qualifier is the easiest reel for a newbie to learn on. After that it would be a quality reel with cent brakes. So by name the BPS pro qualifier, then the Citica, and this is from the standpoint of a newbie learning the ropes.

[The Young Gun]

The Abu Garcia Max series are under $100 and great starter reels. I learned how to cast a baitcaster with a Black Max and have since upgraded to several Revos but I still use my Black Maxes as well.

X2.. I'm pretty young and I learned how to on cast on my Black Max 2.. I got mine NIB on ebay for $25.99 when most sell for 50$..

[Mikey]

The Citica is VERY user friendly. New or used, this would be a great reel to start with.

agree !!!!!!! my brother uses them.

[Fishes in trees]

Don't buy cheap on bait casters, it isn't worth it in the long run, especially if you only have a few of them. If you like round reels, go Calcutta. If you like low profile reels, go Curado or Chronarch.

[Goose52]

Your timing is just a bit off. Several weeks ago, BPS had both the Pro Qualifier reel and the Crankin' Stick rod on sale. The reel for USD $80, the rod for $60. The rod is still on sale, but the reel is back to the regular price of $100. The good thing is that since you're in Ontario, you have lots of time until ice-out to make your decision then shop and wait for sales.

I recommend the PQ reel as it has proven to be a best value at its usual price point, and an even better value on sale. It features dual-braking (both centrifugal and magnetic braking) that is often easier for many people to learn on than a single braking system reel. (BTW - If you end up choosing a reel with a single braking system, many people find a centrifugal system simpler/easier to learn on than a magnetic system reel.) You didn't mention your dexterity, but the PQ is available in both LH and RH in all 4 available gear ratios. If you don't plan on any real deep cranking, you might consider the 6.4:1 ratio - a good all-purpose ratio. If you think you will toss big, deep-diving cranks, you might consider the 5.2:1 ratio which will help you crank in those big baits and still work fine for medium and shallow cranks as well.

You said that you didn't need help with the rod, but keep the Crankin' Stick in mind. Even some of the tackle junkies on this site give the Stick props for being a good cranking rod at its price point.

Bottom line. You have said you aren't sure that you want a BC-based cranking set-up. So, no need to put a lot of money into it. The PQ has proven performance and quality, and longevity certainly adequate for someone up north that has a shortened fishing season. The Crankin' Stick has great reviews - probably as good or better than anything at its price point. Added together, at sale prices, you are at USD $140 (plus whatever taxes, shipping, etc. you might have) for a combo that will last you many years. If you decide that you like BC gear, you will end up getting a few more combos, thus spreading the fishing time between more rigs, making the PQ reel likely to last for years and years.....

For additional info about these specific recommendations, search this forum for both the PQ reel and Crankin' Stick rod - you'll get plenty of additional info.

Good luck in your decision.

[kickerfish1]

If you are wanting to keep the reel cost to under $125 I would get a Lews speed spool or shimano citica. If you are wanting to use if for multiple types of presentations I would get something around a 6:4.1 ratio.

Get a mh fast action rod around 7 foot +/- and you should be set!

[VinnieT]

I know many people bash on the beginner Abu's, but despite what some people say, the Abu pro max imo is a nice reel. Also, another reel I own and love is the Revo S gen 3.