Getting a new bait caster.. Suggestions please

[Mikfree]

So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models  Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners. 

[cottny27]

Any Lews $100 or more would be my vote.  Big upgrade without dropping $300 on a reel you don't really need.

[fishnkamp]

I really like the Diawa reels, look at the Diawa Tatula, Tatula CT and even a Diawa Exceler, all of these can be found online at some discount prices as well. A Diawa Tatula retails for $149 and can easily be purchased for around $110 or less. Look here  http://stores.sheltonsclothing.com/daiwa-tatula-100h-baitcasting-reel-right-hand-6-3-1/ 

That reel retails for $149 but is available for $99. I fish 7 Diawas and love em. I own Tatulas, Excelers and Tatula Type Rs.  Take a look at Lews and Diawa reel prices online so you do not overpay.  I got two Excelers this spring along with 1 Tatula and 1 Tatula type R and all were discounted online.. The Exceler sells for $99 and I got it for $60. The Type R sells for $199 and I got it with free shipping for $119.  Just have some prices written down so you can determine if it is worth just a little more to pick up and take home right then. 

[long island basser]

I would recommend and really enjoy using my Lews tournament MB's.

[Mikfree]

Thanks for the replies & I will look at the  diawa reels while I'm there I know they have them! If it makes any difference I'll be pairing this with either a custom speed stik or a Mojo rod

[Onvacation]

I like my Tournament G but I own three BB1 Pros.  The BB1 Pro is like an old pair of comfortable jeans. Nothing fancy but always does the job.  

[fishnkamp]

Makes no difference they will pair well. Just do yourself a favor put them on a rod. I have fairly big hands and I do not like to completely palm around my reels but some anglers like these really tiny reels. I suggest you look at all three Diawas and try them on a rod so you can see if it feels good. I personally love the reels.  Some reels like a few of the Lews feel lost in my hand. The speed stick and the Mojo are nice rods. If they have them, check out Irod Genesis II and the Dobyns Fury and Sierra rods.. Also take notice of the Lews Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Sticks.  If you have never had a Winn Grip in your hand you are missing out. They are terrific. I have been having a custom rod builder remove and replace the factory grips and reel seats on my IMX spinning rods. We have been putting on American Tackle comfort seats, and Winn Grips.. Another big advantage on the TP1 is the American Tackle Microwave guides. They are really special.They look weird at first but if you threw one you would like em. My buddy Tom Has been using now for a while on his custom and re engineered rods as he says.The Winn Grips have a bit of a tacky touch to them when they get wet. I fished Ned rigs on Dale Hollow this spring during the week just after the smallies spawned. We threw the on 1/10 heads in as deep of water as 20 foot over grass.The two modified G Loomis rods were terrific. At least make sure you play with one before deciding on a rod.

[dsqui]

do not buy a tp1 speed stick they are garbage alot better options outhere for the price

[fishnkamp]

What did you dislike about the rod? I like the components so was the rod blank a problem. I have held one but have not fished one yet. 

[Mikfree]

What did you not like about the speed stick? Also I was gonna look at the veritas 2.0 along with the mojo. Any other rods in the same price point worth a look? 

 

Also so since I mainly use plastics what line should I consider? I'm new to bass fishing and have just been using CXX P line I do believe it's called. 

[JigMaster4]

3 hours ago, Mikfree said:

So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models  Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners. 

If you are also looking at getting a new rod, check out the Fenwick Aetos on Fenwick's site, you can get a $180 for $95.

[bassbassontherange]

1 hour ago, Mikfree said:

What did you not like about the speed stick? Also I was gonna look at the veritas 2.0 along with the mojo. Any other rods in the same price point worth a look? 

 

Also so since I mainly use plastics what line should I consider? I'm new to bass fishing and have just been using CXX P line I do believe it's called. 

If you're looking for a well priced, all purpose rod, a veritas mf will do you quite well. I own several rods in the 4-500 range, and the veritas rods are very good at their price point. They're rated lighter than they really are, so a M is going to be comparable to a MH in most brands. 

Reel-wise, in your price range look at Shimano and Daiwa. Curado and Citica i's as well as tatulas are all within your budget and excellent. My money would be on a Citica I for value if purchasing new, but honestly I'd buy something used. Shimano and Daiwa make excellent reels and used are usually going to be perfect mechanically in newer reels, and even most older, well maintained reels.

Other brands are usually decent in your price range as well, but Shimano and Daiwa have a reputation for durability. I've owned pretty much all of them and those two stand alone in my opinion. 

[DogBone_384]

Abu's Veritas is my favorite $99 rod. I own three casting and one spinning.

Heck, I own a grand total of eight Abu rods of various price points.

To me they're light, sensitive, and durable ... As long as you don't close your truck's tail gate on one like Me ... ?

The best way to find your rod is to handle them yourself.  The subjective 'feeling' is a big part of your purchase.

As far as reels go, I like Shimano, Diawa, and one other brand.

Best of luck! 

[Mikfree]

Went to the store and played with some reels, including higher and lower than I'd want to pay. Even tho it's more expensive I think the curado I is what I'm gonna go with. As far as rods.. I liked the Mojo & they had a veritas that I liked also. Is it worth the extra $20 on the mojo? I liked them equally but kind of leaning towards the Abu rod. 

[Caliyak]

5 hours ago, Mikfree said:

So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models  Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners. 

What's wrong with your Walmart reel? 

If on a college budget, Black Max. If you are loaded like us old guys, Curado. 

[Mikfree]

It's actually a a black max that I got at Wally World for 39. Been through the ringer. Ive saved up for a new reel & rod and giving myself a budget of $300 total. I'm on a budget but have saved up some $. 

[Travis Gasper]

Check out the Lew's Mach 1 baitcaster combo if you can. I got mine last month and love it. I'll definitely be buying Lew's again. So much smoother than my Abu Garcia Pro Max and they were around the same price. 

[DogBone_384]

1 hour ago, Mikfree said:

Went to the store and played with some reels, including higher and lower than I'd want to pay. Even tho it's more expensive I think the curado I is what I'm gonna go with. As far as rods.. I liked the Mojo & they had a veritas that I liked also. Is it worth the extra $20 on the mojo? I liked them equally but kind of leaning towards the Abu rod. 

Which felt better in your hands, the Mojo or Veritas?

Also, were you able to mount a Curado on them?

Go with your gut feeling: it's YOUR setup.

[Caliyak]

2 hours ago, Mikfree said:

It's actually a a black max that I got at Wally World for 39. Been through the ringer. Ive saved up for a new reel & rod and giving myself a budget of $300 total. I'm on a budget but have saved up some $. 

Curado reel then. Great job in saving while in college. I couldn't save a penny if I had to. Frat parties were expensive. LOL 

54 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

Which felt better in your hands, the Mojo or Veritas?

Also, were you able to mount a Curado on them?

Go with your gut feeling: it's YOUR setup.

Great point; it's your set up. 

[S. Sass]

4 hours ago, JigMaster4 said:

If you are also looking at getting a new rod, check out the Fenwick Aetos on Fenwick's site, you can get a $180 for $95.

^^^ Right now that is going to be near impossible to beat. I got my first Aetos today in the mail and I can say its a beauty. 

As for a reel the Lew's Tournament edition is dang hard to beat for the money. I have my second one in the mail coming as I type this. Extremely reliable very smooth cast a mile and very comfortable to me and I have large hands. 

I will agree its what feels best to you and works. But a 4.48 oz Aetos rod and a Lew's Tournament reel sure make a nice combo that definitely work. IMHO 

[Mikfree]

Out of the two I really really liked the mojo.. Not sure what one to go with tho. I mainly run plastics so I guess the plastics model? Or should I look at a different style one. Mainly looking for a 7 ft rod. 

[F14A-B]

Croix has stellar customer service along with a awesome warranty/replacement option.

Check the balance point on the rod and reel together. Lower priced 7' rods tend to be nose heavy. Not exactly a problem but gets old Fishing 8 to 10 hour days..

Sounds like you like the croix..that would be my choice since you really, really like it, lol.

Good luck..

[Advantage]

15 hours ago, Mikfree said:

So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models  Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners. 

I think the Lew's at $130 range and the one at $160 range are the 2 best bang for the bucks reels out there. I own several of them! 

[new2BC4bass]

13 hours ago, JigMaster4 said:

If you are also looking at getting a new rod, check out the Fenwick Aetos on Fenwick's site, you can get a $180 for $95.

Since you will primarily be fishing plastics and want a 7' rod, look at the 7' MH-XF Aetos.  A very nice rod at $180 and a steal at $95.  Highly doubt you will find a better rod at that price.  http://www.fenwickfishing.com/fenwick-freshwater-rods-fenwick-aetos/fenwick-aetos-casting/1365054.html

Stuccu has the Tatula for less than $95.  Don't know if shipping is free.  They also have the Tatula Type R for $124.  I've never dealt with that store so can't comment on their reliability.  ebay has the Tatula for $94 with free shipping.

You can get a Lew's Tournament MB for less than $110.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Tournament-MB-Speed-Spool-Right-Hand-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-7-5-1-TS1SHMB/272281491063?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D37254%26meid%3Dfa2b11b171b8415fa4a28ab135f8e566%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131420409532

Tournament MB has dual braking.  I'd be hard pressed to chose between it and the Tatula.  Luckily I don't have to. 

[Raul]

In no particular order

• Daiwa
• Shimano
• Abu

I don't care about the rest, probably, the only reel I would purchase from any other brand just because it has proven ( not by me ) to be pretty much bullet proof would be the BPS ProQualifier.