Best Baitcaster

[J.Bass]

Going to BPS this weekend for the Spring fishing sale. Going to buy just a baitcast reel. My price range is 300 and below. I want one for all around kind of fishing. Such as for fishing bottom lures, plastics, top water, spinners, and buzz-baits.  Will be using it on a Medium-Heavy rod. I want the reel to be a fast action.

 

What do you think would be a good reel to get from BPS? I like the Phfleugar Patriach. Tell me what you think the best baitcast reel for 300 bucks and under?

 

Thanks to all who post!

[GaterB]

You're going to find a lot of different answers based on people's brand preference. Everyone has an opinion on which is the best, and everyone likes different things for different reasons. I would try to mount a few reels that interest you on the rod you intend to use it with. See how it palms, balances, and feels on the rod in general. I honestly have no set brand preference, as I have Lew's, Shimano, Quantum, and BPS baitcasters in my lineup. It's all about what's comfortable. That being said, with any of the major brands you're going to get what you pay for. I will add that the BPS Pro Qualifier is a terrific reel for 100 bucks. Hopefully that helps a little, and good luck!

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Hard to say which is the best. What you can do is set up some specs for yourself like gear ratio, reel weight, drag strength, left hand option etc. Bass pro online is good for this because you can filter out a lot of these features on the left side of the page and then start narrowing it down from there.

What would I buy if I had to spend 300 on a reel? Myself I would get the new gen 3 Abu Garcia premier. That's just what I would buy and am in no way saying its the best reel for that money. Unfortunately, bass pro doesn't carry some brands like lews or okuma. Good luck

[Tburkett]

Bps pro qualifier is great but the quantum exo is 249 ..... Best reel I have ever cast

[Capt.Bob]

Well since you just said best and didn't specify type, I have to say Shimano Calcutta! If you specify Low Profile----then I would say Lew's Team Lew's Gold. They just keep gettin better! The very best bang for your 300 bucks with money left for other thing's. Compare anything else to the Gold for about $200.00 with there 20% off sale and I am sure you will agree!

[thehooligan]

With 300 I'd be looking for a shimano core on sale or a chronarch....

[tbone1993]

Abu Garcia Premier or a Shimano Core. 

[kickerfish1]

Assuming you mean a faster gear ratio reel when referring to a "faster action"? If so a 6:4.1 or a 7:1 ratio would be good for your intended applications. Best is subjective as it could mean best bang for your buck or it could mean looks, lightweight, easy to cast, and smooth on the retrieve. The chronarch E series is a pretty solid reel all things considered. A 200 and 50 size models exist with a few different ratios depending upon model. It would cost ya around $170-$180 after the trade in rebate. This would be my pick if it were me. A few other options to consider...

For under $100 a BPS PQ or Lews speed spool

For under $200 a chronarch E or Daiwa Lexa 100

For under $300 a revo premier

For over $300 (should you choose to go higher) a core 50mg7... thinking $320 plus tax after rebate.

[katmandew]

Personally I think the Lew's Tournament Pro is the best buy available.  For the money, they are great reels.

[bassinbrian]

Might as well add a Daiwa lexa and Zillion to that list to.

[TNBassin']

You've got a ton of great options in your price range, and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Go Abu or Shemano.

[gripnrip]

Lews or Abu 

[Greenstealth]

Abu garcia premier imho

[greyleg33]

Abu Premier

[Jrob78]

Your options are mostly unlimited.  BPS doesn't carry very many reels over $300.  The Pflueger Patriarch that you mentioned is a phenominal reel.  It doesn't get near the credit it deserves.  The Patriarch XT is even better, it's ashame that it was discontinued.    Aside from that, I would go with a Daiwa Zillion, (if they have any) the Revo Premier or the Shimano Core.

[J.Bass]

I want to say thanks to all who posted. I know I was throwing a dart out when I said "best." I just wanted to see what model of any brand was overall good. You guys have told me that! Thanks for the advice. I did like the Abu Revo premier. I will take a look at all the ones you all have said. I will be going friday.

[tugsandpulls]

the one u think feels most comfortable in your hands

[new2BC4bass]

I love my Patriarch XT and my Zillion.  Recently received a Premier, but won't be able to fish it for awhile.  It wasn't that long ago that there were a good many people posting that the Premier was one of the best all-around reels out there.  This was after they came out with the Gen 2 model.