Nice, Cheap, Beginner Baitcast Set-Up.

[MNFisherman22]

I have used a spin cast all my life and am looking to upgrade to a better reel. I have tried spinning reels and have never liked them. They are just not comfortable to me. I am looking into a baitcast. I don't want to spend too much on one, just in case I don't like them. I just want a cheap, but nice baitcast reel that will get the job done. 

[ABW]

BPS Carbonlite - Pro qualifier combo

[kawiguy08]

That's the combo i am about to pick up. I handled it on the store and felt real comfortable in the hand. I cant wait to get it and fish with it. I dont think you be disappointed if you go with that.

[gramps50]

My 1st bait caster came from Wally World and was $30-$40 don't remember, but I hated it. So I took it back. Got the bug again this time I bought a Lews Tournament Pro, really a nice reel. This reel is in the $150 range. I have heard the Pro Qualifiers are good reels just never used one.

[David D.]

I just bought a Pro Qualifier to see what the fuss was all about and I really like it so far... Enough to recommend it to anyone, and definitely beginners looking to get into the baitcasting game.

[Tywithay]

I'd find one of the previous model Daiwa Excelers. The magz braking system is user friendly, and it's a solid reel that will last a long time. They're about $50 on sale.

[hatrix]

I have never owned one have fished one other people have had a tiny bit. A Abu Garcia black max is a ok reel to start off I suppose. I wouldn't say it's like a PQ because a PQ I would still use but I would keep fishing because its a pretty solid reel.

[BadBassWV]

BPS Carbonlite - Pro qualifier combo

x2

I have 2 of these if you tune it like it says in the instructions, its really hard to back lash.

[lmbfisherman]

x3 on BPS Carbonlite-PQ Combo

[Grantman83]

Pro qualifier or lews speed spool. The speed spool has a $20 rebate which makes it a steal

[Catch and Grease]

The shimano zeles was my first combo and I liked it alot, maybe you can look into it

[Bluebasser86]

The H2O Mettle is a sweet little reel for $60 (on sale for $49 right now). I bought one last year and put it on an H2O Ethos rod (got the reel on sale for $29 and the rod for $49). This little combo has all but replaced my Avid/50E combo for jerkbaits and walking topwaters. It casts a mile and while it doesn't feel quite as tight as my higher end reels (which is all of the rest of them  ), but I've put it through it's paces, expecting it to quit on me, and it just keeps taking the abuse and coming back for more. There's a guy on another forum that uses them on Beaver Lake to throw A rigs for stripers! If they can stand up to that then they can handle any bass applications you can throw at them. 

[Kevin Beachy]

I got my first at wally world for $41. It was a pinnacle ultra balance pole with a ub100 reel. It is a very nice rod and reel.

[B@ssCrzy]

Lew's Speed spool is a good one for the price.  Especially with $20 rebate.  Pro Qualifier has a good name on this message board.  Only thing I would add is don't buy anything that doesn't retail for at least $100.  Anything cheaper will make you frustrated and hate baitcasters.  Baitcasters are the one area where I have found that you really do get what you pay for.  If you can afford getting into something in the $150-$200 range you won't be disappointed. 

[hatrix]

The PQ has centrifigual brakes where the Lews speed spool does not. That alone is a HUGE advantage for a beginner. Just mag brakes and spool tensions sucks especially if you don't really know what your are doing. Your casting distance will be terrible and you will probably get a ton is backlashes. It might make you frustrated and want to quit.

[LMB KING]

x3 on BPS Carbonlite-PQ Combo

x4 on BPS Carbonlite with PQ reel. Its on sale right now go buy it