Recommendations On First Baitcaster

[fadetoblack21]

Alright, so I'm looking to get my first baitcaster. Ok, actually my second, the first one I bought was a cheap pos that totally turned me off to the idea of baitcasters. This time, I have set aside a budget of around $100-$150 for the reel. I plan on picking up an abu garcia veritas or vendetta in mh 7' to put my new toy on. 

 

I have been looking primarily at the BPS Pro Qualifier, as it seems to be a good starting point with a good braking system and is quality made. I guess my concern is that maybe in my focus on the BPS PQ, I have overlooked another exceptional reel in that price range that would be good for a beginner. I am primarily looking for something with a decent braking system to help against the inevitable overruns that will occur with a novice behind the rod. Anyone care to guide me, or have I already made a good choice in reels?

[fadetoblack21]

I should add, I am mostly looking to throw cranks, spinners, and jigs with this to start off with. 

 

And I reel with my left hand, so it must come in a left handed model. 

[Darren.]

Gotta trumpet the Daiwa Lexa 100 series. I'm in love with mine... Great for $139, or less on eBay. Can do all you mentioned, and more.

[rockchalk06]

You can find used PQ's for 50 ish and new ones for 100 from BP. If you order online and put in code VISIT20GC online, you can get a 20 dollar gift card for orders over 100 dollars.

 

That makes your PQ before taxes and shipping 80 bucks. They have the PQ combo for 99 too right now.

 

As for rods, the Veritas is a great rod. I have 4 of them. My 7' medium micro is my favorite right now. Don't look past the Berkley Shock rod for 40 bucks either. Its probably the best 40 dollar rod there is.

[flyfisher]

I'll say wait for the bps reel trade in sale if you have a store near by, you can get some really good deals. And my recommendation would be the shimano citica. I also reel lefty and they have a lefty version in 6.4:1 that is a great all round ratio.

[mc6524]

Bass Pro's Johnny Morris reels are in that price range, have a dual breaking system, 10 ball bearings.  For the price they cannot be beat.  I have 12 of them, and 8 Diawa Zillion's.  The Johnny Morris casts better.

[Jrob78]

The PQ is a great choice for a beginner.  It is a solid reel that will last you many years.  I also think reels with dual braking are good for people starting out.  It allows you to set up the reel in a way that will virtually eliminate backlashes.

[MarkH024]

I'll say wait for the bps reel trade in sale if you have a store near by, you can get some really good deals. And my recommendation would be the shimano citica. I also reel lefty and they have a lefty version in 6.4:1 that is a great all round ratio.

X2 you will be pleased

[Teal]

Lews Speed Spool, Lews Tournament, Shimano Citica, Shimano Curado, Revo S

I am a Lews man. But in all fairness, the above listed reels are all QUALITY pieces of equipment by awesome manufactuers that are in your price range.

[deep]

You can get a nice Citica or a Curado for that sort of money. I personally own (or have owned) Citica D/E's and Curado B/E/G's for far less than $150.

 

P..S. PQ is a good reel too! I did have one, once, not long ago.

[KentuckyDave]

I, too, just purchased my first baitcaster and went through the same thing you are trying to decide on...I ended up going with Lews because of the way it felt in my hand and as of right now I can say I made a very good decision. They are so smooth and I have only had 2 birds nest on about 100 casts so I am very pleased with the choice I made. 

 

Someone just posted in the flea market a barely used Lews Tournament reel that I would take a look at if I were you

[Diggy]

The PQ is usually about 70 dollars during the spring classic. You might even be able to buy it now and get your receipt adjusted from customer service once it does. No shortage of left handed ratios there.

[hatrix]

Lews Speed Spool, Lews Tournament, Shimano Citica, Shimano Curado, Revo S

I am a Lews man. But in all fairness, the above listed reels are all QUALITY pieces of equipment by awesome manufactuers that are in your price range.

X2

[fadetoblack21]

You can find used PQ's for 50 ish and new ones for 100 from BP. If you order online and put in code VISIT20GC online, you can get a 20 dollar gift card for orders over 100 dollars.

 

That makes your PQ before taxes and shipping 80 bucks. They have the PQ combo for 99 too right now.

 

As for rods, the Veritas is a great rod. I have 4 of them. My 7' medium micro is my favorite right now. Don't look past the Berkley Shock rod for 40 bucks either. Its probably the best 40 dollar rod there is.

While I like the idea of ordering now, they always seem to drop the price during the Spring Fishing Classic, so that is probably when I will pick one up. Thanks for the coupon code though, have some other gear I want to get. 

[LgMouthGambler]

I would say the Shimano Citica. Its very simple brake design is more user friendly. Plus Shimano is built to last.

[kickerfish1]

The BPS PQ and Lews speed spool are two really solid entry level reels. If you include used I would look at a well maintained Citica E or a Daiwa Lexa 100.

[new2BC4bass]

I would advise that whichever reel you buy have centrifugal brakes or dual brakes.  It should be easier to learn on.  I believe this to be true even tho over half of my reels (around 26 now ) are magnetic only.  Also to stick with the better known reels such as the PQ, Lews and Shimano.  I got both my Chronarch 101A and 100B for $125 shipped, and they are both in beautiful condition.  These are excellent reels.  It would take patience on your part to find a similar deal, tho.

[rockchalk06]

While I like the idea of ordering now, they always seem to drop the price during the Spring Fishing Classic, so that is probably when I will pick one up. Thanks for the coupon code though, have some other gear I want to get. 

No problem. If you subscribe to their email they send those out all the time.

I am wanting the Gen 3 Revo Winch. I may hold off until spring for it too.