Buying My First Baitcaster

[Vandee]

Hello all, im new to the forum and looking for some advice. I have never used a baitcaster before, only spinning. My current set up being a 6"6' Abu Garcia Vendetta with an Orra SX. I have done a little research and have a general idea of what I want. My budget is $100 for the rod, and $100 for the reel, as I will be a poor college student come September. My two rod choices at the moment are: Abu Garcia Veritas and the *** *** Black. For reels I have also narrowed it down to two: The Abu Garcia Orra SX and the Pfleuger Supreme. Not enough is said about Pfleuger in my opinion. I have an Orra SX spinning reel, and my dad has a Supreme spinning reel, and in all honesty, the Pfleuger Supreme feels 100x better besides the handle. Not sure if this carries over to the baitcasting reels, but I would love to know. These are not set in stone, I am still open to other options, so if you have any, please post them! Thanks in advance!

[John G]

Welcome to Bass Resource! Shimano Citica 200E would be a great first reel IMHO!

 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200e.html

[ThatZX14Fella]

I've never used any you've mentioned, but I've heard good things about both rods. The reels I have never heard of before, but from what I see on here the most highly favored reel for under $100 is the Lew's Speed Spool. I have also never tried it, but if I can find a cheap one Friday when I go to the hunting and fishing expo I will most likely pick one up. I honestly hate Pflueger, I have one right now along with an Abu Garcia Black Max and the Pflueger feels like it's junk. It doesn't cast far, it doesn't reel smooth, the spool feels like it tries to stick, etc. I love my Black Max because it's a great reel for the money and I can't afford anything above $100 much like yourself.

[Bluebasser86]

I'd go with a Bass Pro Pro Qualifier. You can get them on sale for $80 and they're a solid workhorse reel. 

[NathanW]

Pfluegar spinning reels are not equivlant to their casting reels. Dont make the same mistake I did in thinking so. Go find a Curado E, D or G either new or used on ebay and you will have a real that could last you fifteen years instead of a real that may only last you three.

[new2BC4bass]

My Abu rods are Villains.  Seems all Abu rods fish heavier than rated.  The *** Black handle is too thin for me to use one handed, but not much of a problem since about 99% of my casting is done 2-handed.     Otherwise it is an excellent rod for the money.  Another possible rod selection at the $100 mark is the Fenwick HMG.

 

I have no experience with either of the reels you mentioned.  I do have 4 Pfluegers, tho...2 Patriarch XTs and 2 Trions.  Some differences between the 2 as one is $150 more than the other, and its technology is newer.  Spool on my Trion flies.  Was a backlashing machine for me with the light braid that came on it when it was mounted on a Medium Compre throwing 10" unweighted worms on a 3/0 hook.  Mike of DVT cleaned it for me.  When I got it back I spooled on some 17# Super Natural and mounted it on a 6'10" HF Quantum Tour Edition PT.  That combo flat out launches a 1/2 oz. jig with a 3-1/2 in. Mr. Twister Grub.  Not one backlash either.  Should be able to find one around $50 used in good shape.  Not a pretty reel nor the lightest.

 

Lews are loved.  Like my TP, but no experience with the $99 reel.  You should be able to get a better reel if you don't mind buying used.  The Daiwa HSTA is a solid workhorse although not light.  However, most suggest learning on a centrifugal reel or a dual brake reel.  Wouldn't know as I leaned on a Fuego.

[Bank4Bass]

*** black with a lews speed spool

[GoRavens]

I love my lews speed spool. It was my 1st BC. But I put mine on a bps carbonlite

[ZB85]

I like my speed spools but my tatulas out perform them in every aspect. My choice for a reel would be a tatula which you can get on amazon for around $100 all day.

[EmersonFish]

There are so many options for both rods and reels in the price ranges you mentioned. You'll get a lot of different opinions.

 

I've used BPS Pro Qualifier reels for a long time. They may not perform like a higher end reel, but they are reliable, and relatively easy to use for someone just getting into baitcasters.

 

I also have a Lew's Speed Spool SS1, and have another one in the mail right now. You can buy one for $89-$99, and right now Lew's has a $20 mail-in rebate. You can buy the reel anywhere, send them a copy of the receipt and the barcode along with the form they have on their website, and they'll send you $20 (until mid-August). For the money, I doubt you'll find a better reel. Would go great on an *** or a Veritas, up to a medium-heavy action. I personally wouldn't use the SS1 on heavier equipment, but I know some do without issue. 

[Vandee]

What about this? http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/

 

I live in Canada so getting Lews gear and *** gear is pretty hard... I have 1 store around me that carries the speed spool, however the cheapest one they carry appears to be the tournament MG. My best resource for gear is Bass Pro and Sail. 

[Shockwave]

I just got into using baitcasters myself and am head over heels in love with them.  I picked up an Abu Garcia Revo3 and a Daiwa Exceler as my first reels.  They both work very well.  I think I'm gonna pick up a Pro Qualifier for a third setup.

[Choporoz]

I've got two baitcast reels; an AG Orra SX, and a Lews SS1.  I like both, but prefer the Lews.  It has been just a tad smoother and seems a little less finicky to adjust.  With Lews $20 rebate (til 7/31), its a no-brainer, IMHO.

[EmersonFish]

What about this? http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/

 

I live in Canada so getting Lews gear and *** gear is pretty hard... I have 1 store around me that carries the speed spool, however the cheapest one they carry appears to be the tournament MG. My best resource for gear is Bass Pro and Sail. 

I've never used the Carbonlite rod there, but I'm sure a lot of people here have and can tell you about it. There has probably already been a thread discussing it specifically. I've held it, and it feels light without a reel on it, although the one in that link doesn't have the microguides.

 

The Pro Qualifier reel is just a solid reel. Nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done. I still have four or five, and have never had a problem with any of them, although mine are a different color (kind of a goofy dark grey pearl whatever).

[Choporoz]

Sorry...I hadn't seen that you have trouble getting Lews gear.  I assume you've talked to Tackle Warehouse and/or Valley Sports?

[Vandee]

Lews is definitely still an option, as is the *** Black, I would just have to take a small hit on the shipping. No big deal! I will have to ask Gagnon Sports if they carry the regular speed spool, and if that is the case, the reel has been figured out. Any suggestion for rods?

[EmersonFish]

There are so many rod companies competing in that $100 price range. A lot of it will come down to personal preference. I will say that I've heard so much hype about these '*** Black' rods that I'm tempted to spend $100 on one that I really don't need just because I'm curious to know if they are really "all that." They definitely look sweet. If I were starting a new rod arsenal, I would definitely give one a shot. There have been mixed reviews about the 'Duckett Ghost' rods, but some people are very impressed with those. The 'Veritas' rods have been around quite a while, and they seem to have help up okay. They are also easy to find (around here anyway).

[Vandee]

So, I found a place in North Bay that carries Lews and *** products, shot off a quick email because they dont have an online store, and they said they dont have a problem shipping it to me! Emailed back making sure they have the models I want... Fingers Crossed! Thanks for everyones help!

[Droppingshot]

I'm going to agree with ZB85 on the tatula. I just picked one up and it's pretty amazing for the value. I own a speed spool as well which has been amazing for the money. I prefer both those baitcasters to my revo sx which isn't a bad reel at all but not my favorite.

As for rods, I have owned three veritas so far. Broken one. For 80 bucks it's going to be really hard to beat. I like the rods and use them all of the time. I'd agree in saying that they are rated lighter than their action actually is. But that being said I wouldn't say that the medium I own is a medium heavy, but it's close. The 13 rods are really nice. I haven't fished with one, but they seem higher quality than the veritas. They cost a bit more as well. I honestly think you would be happy with either. A $200 set up should perform pretty well regardless of your choice. You are on the right track. You might look into their warranties to seperate your choices a bit. Rods break, plain and simple. It would be a shame if one were to break once your college budget starts. Maybe consider a shimano compre, as their warranty seems to be awesome.

[Vandee]

My dad has a Compre spinning, and as many others have said, it just feels to whippy.

[F14A-B]

The *** rods are not hype.. They are just very good rods for the money.. With exceptional feel for the money!