First bait caster

[YoungBassHunter]

looking to buy my first bait caster. Looking for something general to fish a wide variety of baits. Most commonly spinners, jigs and some top water. Was looking at this rod from basspro. Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier Reel/Johnny Morris CarbonLite Micro Rod Baitcast Combo. Its the one going for $199. Was gonna get the 6"9 medium heavy, fast action paired with the 6.4:1 reel. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[S. Sass]

First welcome to the forums. 

There is all sorts of good info in the Fishing Rods, Reels, Line, and Knots section of the forum that could really help you with your choice.  

If you read through other posts asking similar questions you will see what the guys generally want to know to give you a decent recommendation.  Also there are sticky threads that have good info on picking a rod etc.

I dont have that particular combo but I know some here have spoke about it. I don't remember anything said negative about it though. At least you have a decent budget for getting your first baitcaster. You should be able to score a decent setup in that ballpark. I know there are some killer deals that come through the  Fishing Flea Market   that might get you much more for your $. 

 

[burrows]

Shimano curado.i . 6.3.1 great reel just got one recently I also got a citica.i which is a good reel to start with.

[Mike L]

What you're looking at is a great choice. I don't have that rod but have heard a lot of good things about it. You'll love the PQ, it's my go to all around reel. 

 

Mike 

[JGillyFishing]

If you're going to be spending 200 dollars I would recommend a 7ft Med or Med Heavy Duckett Ghost and get a Lews tournament MB in 7.1:1 or the new 7.5:1. That would be about a $240 combo but worth every penny. The owner of my local tackle shop says he has countless people come in and he will sell them the Tournament MB and they come back a week later and want to replace all their Revos with them. In the 75-150 dollar range Lews is making the best reels on the market. 

[bgathletics6]

I also purchased the JM Carbonlite and Pro Qualifier combo as my first bait cast setup. Actually got it at my local BPS for a whole lot cheaper than advertised online. BUT, that aside, I think it's a great setup. You'll find many people on here will recommend the reel. The bunches of information on this forum will help you better understand the reel and how to set it up. I have taken it out about 6 times since I purchased it Valentine's weekend and am extremely happy. Mine is a 7:1:1 ratio and can bring in line very fast.  I'm used to my spinning reels and have caught many fish with them, but the speed and quality of the Pro Qualifier has me hooked. I'm already looking to buy another combo to use with different line/ lures. If you get it you won't be disappointed. I have read through almost every page of this thread. It helped me understand in detail the importance of rod choice as well. Hope it helps!

 

[stkbassn]

Go to FFO and get an Abu Pro Max 2 or Silver Max.. Both around 40 bucks and the most user friendly casters I've seen yet for that money. I was shocked at how well that Pro Max could cast. I bought 2 more as back ups. The rod you can pick up anywhere , Walmart ,Dicks, Gander..The Gander Guide series is a decent starter rod for around 39 bucks..cork grip too. Just a way to save some money for more baits and still have a great little combo to fish with. Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to buy.

[GoRavens]

My first bc combo (about 2years ago) was the 7ft mh fast carbonlite and lew's speed spool ss1. Loved it.