Looking for baitcaster combo

[pondbassin101]

Hi guys

Im looking for a good, versatile baitcast combo for around $100.Any suggestions?

[EvanT123]

I would suggest going to your nearest sporting goods retailer and picking the one that feels best to you. 

[pondbassin101]

Anything specific?

[fishnkamp]

Welcome to the forums. Take a few minutes and run down the forum this is asked hundreds of times a day.  Everyone has their favorite rod & reel and there are two ways to go. One is to look at an inexpensive combo more or less referred to as a beginner set. I do not suggest you go that route, it will stunt your learning and enjoying so here is my preference. Go look at the Lews Mach 1 Speed Spool combo for about $129.  That combo begins with a reel that has 10 ball bearing reel and a good drag. It sells for $119 by itself.They include a IM8 rod with decent components. With that combo you will be able to fish a lot of different lures.  The other way you could go is to buy a quality reel like a Diawa Exceler for around $75 and then choose a rod like this  http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=33262186&clickid=body_rv_img&bc=RecentView_5 or

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mountain-Tournament-Casting-Rod-70-Medium-Heavy&i=813708&r=view&from=grid

These with that reel would last you very well. And yes I fish the Quantum rod with an Exceler reel. I also think there are tons of other options but these will fish well for you

One last tidbit to save you from getting into trouble. There are tons of different lines on the market today. I am amazed by the cost of fluorocarbon lines and braid as well. If I was going to set up just one rod for everything I would use 30 pound braid. But I would start by filling my reel half full with 14 pound mini like Stren Blue. Then add my braid and if I was fishing in clear water i would add a leader of 10 pound mono.

[timsford]

At 100 the choices are pretty limited. There's the Pflueger purist and Trion bait caster for under 50 bucks and an abu Garcia vendetta 7ft mh and Fenwick eagle 7ft med both under 43 bucks. If you are wanting to fish mainly heavier stuff over 3/8 oz I'd get the vendetta, if you like using a lot of 1/4 oz-5/8oz or so I'd get the fenwick. The most all around combo is probably a 7ft or so medium or medium heavy fast action rod. As far as reels, most in that price range have only simple magnetic braking systems. These are ok, but many have an easier time learning with dual braking reels (both magnetic and centrifugal), centrifugal braking reels, or dynamic magnetic braking reels by daiwa that have magforce v, z, or 3d

[pondbassin101]

What about the Abu Garcia Pro Max Combo?

[EvanT123]

I'm of the opinion at any price point $100,200, or $1000 the differences between the manufacturers offerings are going to be so slim it will hard to tell if you money was better spent on a different brand. 

[fishnkamp]

Gander Mountain has some other good combos

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mountain-Myth-Baitcast-Combo-7-Medium-Heavy&i=848910&r=view&from=grid

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Abu-Garcia-Pro-Max-3-Baitcast-Combo-70-Medium-Heavy&i=912222&r=view&from=grid