AreWeFishingYet Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 I would like to get a new baitcaster before the spring time, I currently own a Abu Garcia black max which is my first ever baitcaster and have a decent amount of casts with it. There is a lot of information out there regarding baitcasters and it's a bit overwhelming, so I figured I would ask here. With a budget of about $125 is there a specific rod/reel combo you would suggest or should I strictly use that cash for a reel (again open suggestions) and save for a rod later. Any advice you can give a fairly new angler would be appreciated. Quote
Bass9Man Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Here's a decent combo for your budget. Go get a Abu Garcia Silver Max (60 Bucks) Then for the rod.. Go get a Shamano Stella Crankbait rod (60 Bucks) It's not a bad setup. You could get a Curodo reel from Shamano. That setup i mentioned is perfect. 1 Quote
Super User MCS Posted January 30, 2014 Super User Posted January 30, 2014 Lots of stuff going on sale right now, check out the closeouts online and in store. Quantum energy, shimano curado, daiwa T3 are all in your range Quote
daiwaguy Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 What kind of fishing do you typically do? That will help us give you some options that suit your typical outing. You will get alot of opinions here and there are already some good threads about similar topics. But remember these are opinions and you should take them into consideration but not base your decision solely on what you read here but take all the opinions and go try them out at your local tackle shop to get a feel for how it feels in your hand. Some people might like a rod with a trigger and that same rod might dig into your finger depening on how you hold a rod. Just lots of things to Consider. That being said I am going to recommend something bottom contact since Bass9Man has alrady mentioned a cranking set up(though I have never heard of a Stella rod he may mean Sellus). I would go with a 6'6" to 7' MH Daiwa T rod with a moderate action because these rods seem to be more mod/fast to me. I would pair it with and an original model Daiwa Exceler reel in 6:1 ration. The Road can be had for about 69 to 75 dollars and reel is on closeout at alot of places for about 45 or 50 bucks. Not being brand loyal here either. 1 Quote
AreWeFishingYet Posted January 30, 2014 Author Posted January 30, 2014 Thanks for some of that info. My online shops are *** and BP. Like I said I'm new in the game, do you have some other places that you tend to go to? As far as my fishing habits, for right now I use a lot of crankbaits and swimbaits, mainly on lakes and rivers. I have one spinning setup and one baitcaster, my in depth knowledge of reels and rods is still in the making because I am learning. Quote
daiwaguy Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Well with the Crankbaits I would got with a composite rod around 7' or a graphite rod with a slower action. Swimbaits is something I do not throw all that often, especially the heavier ones so I dont have a rod just for swimbaits. I use my Heavy Action 7'3" frog rod in the rare occasions I throw one. I am looking to get into the whole swimbait presentation though I know it produces some monsters. Quote
Gaerith Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Wait for the curado G to go on clearance and pick one up. Also keep an eye out for if the chronarch goes on clearance too, and if they both do then go for the chronarch. If you have to have one asap, I would suggest a tatula or lews. Quote
Bruce424 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Abu garcia orra sx is on sale for around 60 bucks at bass pro I think... or cabelas. Check it out nice reel for the price Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 30, 2014 Super User Posted January 30, 2014 I expect some great closeout deals next month on the Curado. G and any remaining E series. My suggestion is to buy the reel first and save your money for the rod. I really like this rod and it's reasonably priced: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html Quote
coak Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 I would suggest to post a couple of WTB posts in the Flea Market and you may be able to save some cash, get some decent gear and establish relationships with other forum members here. Its worth a shot and could possibly save some time/hassle with trying to locate the best deals on the web or in-store. Just my $.02 though 1 Quote
Duckbutter100 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 cabelas has the Daiwa Exceler BC reel on sale for $44. They are 1 piece alum. 8 bearings. fishusa has the Fenwick HMX rods around $70. That would get you in budget. fleamarket has a user with BP PQ reel which folks seem to love and the ABU Veritas rod that will also get you in budget. Quote
Super User buzzed bait Posted January 30, 2014 Super User Posted January 30, 2014 For me, I'd focus on the best rod you can get. Then I'd find a good deal on a good reel from the Flea Market forum and then I'd start fishing.... Quote
AreWeFishingYet Posted January 30, 2014 Author Posted January 30, 2014 Thanks for all the info guy's. Roadwarrior, that link is a reel as opposed to a rod (unless you meant to post a reel). Coak, your right, I'm new to the forums as of a couple days ago, so I'm trying to feel around and get to know some people. Alot of good info here, that's why I signed up! Quote
baluga Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 I would go for a Curado 50e, look for it at flee bay and save up for a nice rod like the Cumara 6'3M or Phenix UMBX 6'6 M. Quote
AreWeFishingYet Posted January 31, 2014 Author Posted January 31, 2014 Instead of starting a new thread I will piggy back off of this one. My current (and first) baitcaster looks like this. 6:4:1 Abu Garcia Black Max w/ a Abu Garcia Vengeance 2-peice 6'6" Medium Rod At the tiem I purchased these they fit my small budget, there was really no research involved. My thoughts to you are, would you make any changes to this setup, if not what would you throw with my current setup? Thanks Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 31, 2014 Super User Posted January 31, 2014 Thanks for all the info guy's. Roadwarrior, that link is a reel as opposed to a rod (unless you meant to post a reel). Coak, your right, I'm new to the forums as of a couple days ago, so I'm trying to feel around and get to know some people. Alot of good info here, that's why I signed up! Read on a little further, I review both the rod & reel. -Kent Quote
fluna Posted February 1, 2014 Posted February 1, 2014 If you have a Bass Pro shop in your area the Fishing Classic starts 02/28/14 and they have nice sales plus you can trade in old reels and poles towards purchase of new rod and reel. Quote
bartdude186 Posted February 3, 2014 Posted February 3, 2014 the Pro Qualifier is hard to beat, i just bought another as a combo it may still be on sale.it was 99.00 for the combo,not bad at all i bought the 7' med version to throw some heavier weightless plastics on ( if that even makes sense). i also own a black max, and the Pro Qualifier is 10x's smoother and just a better reel overall. Quote
Super User Tywithay Posted February 3, 2014 Super User Posted February 3, 2014 Right now, the best deal in reels is the old model Daiwa Exceler. They retailed for $89, but I've found them for $45 recently. They have free floating spool and magz, features that are on Daiwa's $300 reels. Don't get me wrong, not comparing the two....but it's a very solid and great casting reel, for the money. I am confident you can get one for $50 quite easily. That leaves $75 for a rod. Wait for the next 25% off sale and get a *** or a Daiwa Lexa, you'll be set up really well. Quote
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