Baitcasting Reel For $150

[fadetoblack21]

Looking for a new baitcaster, reel only, for around $150. I will be buying from bass pro and cashing in some gift cards and doing the reel trade in when the spring fishing sale starts. 

 

Last year was my first year with a baitcaster, buying two pro qualifiers. Now I want to move up just a bit to a little higher quality reel. I am a fan of abu garcia reels so that's where I've been looking so far, but I was hoping to get some feedback on quality reels in this price range so I'm not overlooking anything.

[bflp3]

I think the two most interesting reels at that price point from bass pro are the Daiwa Tatula @ $150 and (a little higher) the Curado I @ $179.

[TiNuts]

You could possibly get the new chronarch to less than $150 depending on how much you have for gift cards. That's my plan.

[GaterB]

Tatula is a solid workhorse reel. Time will tell with the new Curado but all signs point to it being a very nice reel. Possibly check out a Chronarch E series too, as many believe they will soon go on sale because of the introduction of the new Curado and possibly a new Chronarch from Shimano

[WIGuide]

Looking for a new baitcaster, reel only, for around $150. I will be buying from bass pro and cashing in some gift cards and doing the reel trade in when the spring fishing sale starts. 

 

Last year was my first year with a baitcaster, buying two pro qualifiers. Now I want to move up just a bit to a little higher quality reel. I am a fan of abu garcia reels so that's where I've been looking so far, but I was hoping to get some feedback on quality reels in this price range so I'm not overlooking anything.

With the reel trade in, you could probably get a Revo SXT for pretty close to what you're looking for. Depending on if it goes on sale for the spring fishing fling, you could even get it for less. The other decent one to look at is the Johnny Morris Signature Series. Although a little heavier than some, these reels are very solid performers.

I've also heard good things about the Tatula and that is also in your price range.

Another thing to be aware of is the fact that Shimano refuses to participate in the reel trade in program, so don't bank on using that if you're going Shimano.

[F14A-B]

Shimano was indeed involved in the reel trade in program at my local BPS also I believe they will be this year as well

Anyone else on Shimano and reel trade-in @BPS

[NathanW]

Shimano Curado or Daiwa Tatula.

 

I have retired Abu, BPS and Pfluegar reels due to worn gears but never a Curado, I have 2 D series Curados still in the lineup that are nearly 8 years old. Best of all, if you ever want to sell, no mater how beat up they are they have really good resale, unlike Abu.

 

You will find Curados are pretty generic, nothing flashy, but they are easy to tune your bait in and they stay tuned in. Not to mention they are workhorses.

 

The Tatula seems great so far but I cannot attest to their on the water reliability like I can with Shimano.

[Tywithay]

I'd opt for the Tatula, or try to swing the new Curado as well.

[Cgrinder]

If you don't have to have the latest and greatest, I would anticipate good sales on the Shimano Chronarch 200E when the new Curado hits.

 

I something similar to what you are planning. I started with the Pro Qualifiers and bought a Chronarch when I took my second Pro Q back under warranty. 

[smalljaw67]

Shimano was indeed involved in the reel trade in program at my local BPS also I believe they will be this year as well

Anyone else on Shimano and reel trade-in @BPS

 

My BPS has right on the program sign that Shimano is excluded from the reel trade in program, and it has been that way every year.

[F14A-B]

My BPS has right on the program sign that Shimano is excluded from the reel trade in program, and it has been that way every year.

My bps did last spring I got a 300e and 200gt and got 40$ off each reel on reel trade in! So sounds like different rules for various places.. I will say I was surprised and very happy!!

[Tywithay]

If you don't have to have the latest and greatest, I would anticipate good sales on the Shimano Chronarch 200E when the new Curado hits.

 

I something similar to what you are planning. I started with the Pro Qualifiers and bought a Chronarch when I took my second Pro Q back under warranty. 

Why does everyone seem to think the Chronarch E is going to be discounted because of a Curado? Unless they come out with the new Chronarch G (which they likely will at ICast, if not at the classic), it'll probably stay for a bit. The E has not been discontinued yet, like the Curado G has.

[Cgrinder]

Why does everyone seem to think the Chronarch E is going to be discounted because of a Curado? Unless they come out with the new Chronarch G (which they likely will at ICast, if not at the classic), it'll probably stay for a bit. The E has not been discontinued yet, like the Curado G has.

 

Just speculating. There were good sales on the Chronarch E last fall at some places. It wouldn't be unreasonable, seeing as the Curado is now very close to the Chronarch's price point.

[Joe Schmuckatelli]

Lews speed spool BB1

[fadetoblack21]

I'll have to pick up the Chronarch and play with it when I go reel shopping. I also plan on looking at the Revo STX. Guess it'll come down to which one feels the best in hand and which one is the better deal. 

[ColdSVT]

Lews TP is a another to consider at that price point

[lmbfisherman]

I would wait for the reel trade in at BPS and land a Chronarch E or if you can get lucky and land a Curado I.  I can't say much about the STX vs Chronarch, but I can say with confidence that Shimano makes awesome reels that last.  I still have a Curado 200B in my arsenal and still buttery smooth.  The Chronarch E is proven platform.

[bass1980]

I would be careful on basing your decision on the smoothness of a reel at the local tackle shop. Some reels have been there a long time and has been abused so they are not as smooth as they should. I went to a loca Cables and their display Chronarch E was horribly not smooth at all no matter how I set it to. Felt like it was grinding on something. Nothing like the 3 E series that I own.

The display Tatula was silky smooth though. This flaw in display reels will effect people's decision in their purchases if they don't know. I would put more thought into how the reel palms for you when handling reels at the tackle shop.

[Brian Needham]

if you got 150 to spend:

 

1.get a Lews TP for 130 then

2.send if off to get supertuned.

 

3.sit back with a beer and enjoy

[Big Swimbait]

Although I agree - No Lews at BPS where the OP has to shop.....

[Brian Needham]

let me make this case:

 

why force yourself to shop at BPS?

 

if it was me, and its not, but if it was me this is what I would do:

 

1.sell your reel on a forum or even ebay because the BPS trade in rapes you and is not worth it.

 

2. take that money and buy what you want (I like the lews TP)..... buy used on a forum/ebay if you have to since you are going to send it off to get supertuned no matter if you buy new or used.

 

3. use your gift cards to buy some under armour, or rage tail products at BPS

 

4. enjoy a beer knowing you got more for and with your money

[fadetoblack21]

I would be careful on basing your decision on the smoothness of a reel at the local tackle shop. Some reels have been there a long time and has been abused so they are not as smooth as they should. I went to a loca Cables and their display Chronarch E was horribly not smooth at all no matter how I set it to. Felt like it was grinding on something. Nothing like the 3 E series that I own.

The display Tatula was silky smooth though. This flaw in display reels will effect people's decision in their purchases if they don't know. I would put more thought into how the reel palms for you when handling reels at the tackle shop.

 

I more meant how the reel feels in the hand. I don't exactly have mitts, and the pro qualifiers are slightly uncomfortable, so the ultimate decision will come down to how it feels in my hand and to a lesser extent the price.

 

I will add the Tatula to my list though, I've been burnt by Diawa before but will still check it out.

 

if you got 150 to spend:

 

1.get a Lews TP for 130 then

2.send if off to get supertuned.

 

3.sit back with a beer and enjoy

 

Wish I could but BPS doesn't sell Lews reels.

 

let me make this case:

 

why force yourself to shop at BPS?

 

if it was me, and its not, but if it was me this is what I would do:

 

1.sell your reel on a forum or even ebay because the BPS trade in rapes you and is not worth it.

 

2. take that money and buy what you want (I like the lews TP)..... buy used on a forum/ebay if you have to since you are going to send it off to get supertuned no matter if you buy new or used.

 

3. use your gift cards to buy some under armour, or rage tail products at BPS

 

4. enjoy a beer knowing you got more for and with your money

 

The reels I bring to BPS for the trade in are usually older ones that I've had for years and no longer use. They are also not particularly expensive reels and really have little resale value. I don't think I'm gonna get much selling a reel that I bought new for $40 (10 years ago) on ebay.

 

I'm also a broke college student, so scratching together enough for a reel is pretty much out of the question. The gift card was a Christmas gift, which I had every intention of using strictly for a reel. 

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Fadetoblack, take the rod you are wanting to put a reel on to BPS. Try all the reels, buy the one YOU like the most within your budget then go fishing and enjoy it.

[plumworm]

Wait a week, when the new curado comes out. I have 8 curados that date back from 1998-2005. All of them are still working the way they did when I bought them. Never been in for repair. Cleaned and lubed every year. Buy Shimano. I'm serious.

[Brian Needham]

 

Wish I could but BPS doesn't sell Lews reels.

 

 

The reels I bring to BPS for the trade in are usually older ones that I've had for years and no longer use. They are also not particularly expensive reels and really have little resale value. I don't think I'm gonna get much selling a reel that I bought new for $40 (10 years ago) on ebay.

 

I'm also a broke college student, so scratching together enough for a reel is pretty much out of the question. The gift card was a Christmas gift, which I had every intention of using strictly for a reel. 

 

gotcha, and understood.

 

then you got a pretty plan then !