HighTones Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 I have been a trout fishermen most of my life, all while using a spinning rod and fly rod. I want to finally get into the baitcaster and am looking for a decent rod and reel combo for under $150. It is a lot to take in sometimes and I have been watching many videos, but I just need someone to guide me on what to look for. Thank you Quote
TNBassin' Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 Too bad your budget isn't a little higher. The Abu Garcia Revo S and Veritas combo is VERY nice. $129 for the reel unless you find it on sale, and the Veritas is $99. I'd suggest the micro guide version of that rod if you do pony up the extra cash for this combo. Try AmericanLegacyFishing, as they used to give you a $25 off code if you sign up for their emails. 1 Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted June 12, 2014 Super User Posted June 12, 2014 FWIW My first baitcaster was the Abu Silver Max Combo. Inexpensive but a good quality reel. When learning to use it use inexpensive mono 12-15lb test. once you stop backlashing upgrade to fluorocarbon or braid. Quote
TNBassin' Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 The Max line of Abu reels are pretty good for the price no question. The only downside is that they have a graphite frame and have mag brakes. Mag braking systems tend to be much more difficult for beginners than a centrifugal system found on the Revo S and other reels. 1 Quote
HighTones Posted June 12, 2014 Author Posted June 12, 2014 Thank you for the feed back guys, and I could spend up to $200 if I had to, just trying to see what my options are at the moment Quote
ABW Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 Pro Qualifier - Carbonlite combo that is SLIGHTLY over your budget. 6.4:1 gear ratio reel with the 7' MH rod will be a very versatile rod 1 Quote
ColdSVT Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 Veritas 79$ lews Speed spool 79... 160...pretty darn good combo 1 Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted June 12, 2014 Super User Posted June 12, 2014 Will you be using the combo for largemouth bass fishing? If so, then a 6'6" to 7' MHF rod is a very good place to start. If going after smallmouths, then the same length rod in a MF would probably be a better option as the lures can often be lighter than those used for largemouths. Opt for the shorter rod if you will be fishing creeks, rivers or lakes from shore. I've become a fan of Fenwick rods. Haven't used the new HMG rods, but have been told that they are excellent for the $$$. Do have a couple older ones. *** Black rods are highly thought of. Just be aware that their handles are very slim and not for everyone. Otherwise they are very nice rods. I have to cast mine with 2 hands because of the handle. Look at the Berkley Lightning or Lightning Shock for even less money. I've handled the Fenwick Eagles in store, but never fished one. I do like their looks better than many of the comparably priced rods. There are quite a few good rods for $100 or less such as those made by Abu and Shimano. I know nothing about many of the house brand rods sold by such companies as BPS and Academy Sports. I recently purchased a Hurricane Redbone 7' ML 6-14 and 3/8-3/4 that I have been using to cast 10" unweighted worms on a 3/0 hook. Not sure the 2 add to 3/8 oz,, but the rod is handling the combo....with 40# braid no less. Have caught a few LM with it and am liking it so far. These are listed as saltwater rods which is probably why a ML power rod has a listing of 3/8 oz. for the low end. It is a nice looking rod made from IM7 graphite. The Quantum PQ is always suggested as an excellent reel and not just for beginners. Can be had for around $80 on sale. Also the H2O reels from Academy Sports get a lot of good reviews. I would suggest trying to find a used older gold Carbonlite if you will mostly be using light weight lures. These are dual brake reels that not only handle mid-range weights, but handle lighter weights exceptionally well also. Should be able to find one in good or better condition for $50-$65. I've no experience with the cheaper Lews or Shimanos, but most people seem to like them quite well. I like my pricier ones. If you aren't stuck on low profile baitcasters and new reels, another good, cheap reel is the Abu Black Max 1600 older round reel. They handle light lures quite well even in fairly strong winds. Quote
Super User MCS Posted June 12, 2014 Super User Posted June 12, 2014 I don't think u could go wrong with either a bps pro qualifier or a revo s. but IMO the best rod for the money is the Carbonlite hands down Quote
hooah212002 Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 Too bad your budget isn't a little higher. The Abu Garcia Revo S and Veritas combo is VERY nice. $129 for the reel unless you find it on sale, and the Veritas is $99. I'd suggest the micro guide version of that rod if you do pony up the extra cash for this combo. Try AmericanLegacyFishing, as they used to give you a $25 off code if you sign up for their emails. Just an FYI: a Veritas is EASILY found for ~$60 now. Pretty sure DSG essentially dropped the price to $70 and always on clearance, so add another 25-50% off of that most of the time. Gander Mountain has them on sale for $50 after a $10 MIR. 1 Quote
hooah212002 Posted June 12, 2014 Posted June 12, 2014 H2O Mettle from Academy paired with a Veritas = ~$120 Quote
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