Baitcaster for Beginner

[the reel ess]

Pick a good one. At least one with a solid aluminum frame. If you don't, you'll probably not get great service out of it and you may become discouraged and end up yard selling it. You'll get recommendations to the contrary, but I'm right and they're wrong. J/K. You get what you pay for.

If money is an issue, may I suggest the Academy line of BC reels. They have all the features available that the brand names have and they're so much cheaper you can afford the rod too. They happen to have 3 on sale right now and anything above $25 ships free. Look at the customer ratings. 

http://www.academy.com/shop/browse/fishing/fishing--reels?searchType=2&searchTerm=&facet=mfName_ntk_cs%3A%22H2O+XPRESS%22&beginIndex=0&orderBy=&pageView=grid&minPrice=&maxPrice=&pageSize=&

[burrows]

I'm sending you a pm it's for sale since you need a beginner reel I'll give you a deal.

[jr231]

I bought an ardent rod and reel spinning combo at Walmart. The rod broke in 2 seasons. The reel is on its 4th. 

30 minutes ago, cottny27 said:

I have no experience with them other than holding them in a tackle shop.  I do think if you are buying and "off brand" reel then $100 is quite steep.  I hope you get years of use out of that.  It sure looks solid.  I bought Kastking Stealth just for the heck of it and like it for beating up.  It been good so far.  $47..so who cares.

 

[the reel ess]

33 minutes ago, Cheesefrank said:

I'm sending you a pm it's for sale since you need a beginner reel I'll give you a deal.

I have the Lew's Tourney MB LFS reel in 7.5:1. I LOVE IT! I've used it for a whole season and don't think I've backlashed it yet. It's my frog and jig rod on a Hvy/F rod. I'll probably get another to replace my most recent worn out reel.

[burrows]

The lfs is a solid reel, I'm more into shimano baitcasters and centerfugal brakes. But the lfs is a reel built to last many years.

[freelancer27]

I am throwing the Bass Pro Shops Qualifier in as well.

Good reel and can be had cheaper. It was a good start for me !

[Bass Turd]

Used Shimano Curado 100 D. Find one on Ebay or here in the flea market by posting that you are looking for one. Right now they are selling for about $100 give or take. If you don't take to bait casting you can sell it for what you paid for it. It is an incredibly easy reel to learn on. It is very forgiving. Set it and forget it. It is built like a tank.

[new2BC4bass]

59 minutes ago, Bass Turd said:

Used Shimano Curado 100 D. Find one on Ebay or here in the flea market by posting that you are looking for one. Right now they are selling for about $100 give or take. If you don't take to bait casting you can sell it for what you paid for it. It is an incredibly easy reel to learn on. It is very forgiving. Set it and forget it. It is built like a tank.

One for sale on another forum (unmentionable here) for $110 shipped or $100 local pick up.  Just serviced and cleaned.  I am not affiliated with the seller in any way.

[BrianSnat]

In that price range I'd look for a Lew's Tournament MB. I got mine on sale for under $120.  Also Diawa Tatula CT. I have both. I like the Lews a bit better, but both are good reels for the money.

For a rod, the Berkley Lightning and Lightning Shock are really good values.

 

[WRB]

You can buy a wide range of bait casting reels at your price point. My advice is to look at mfr's with a proven customer service, resale and parts history like Daiwa or Shimano both offer excellent reels.

Tom

[dragger201]

After 15 years my Shimanos are getting beyond rebuild/repair.  Two Bantam Curados and 4 Citicas.  Took a chance on an inexpensive baitcaster, the Kastking Assassin.  After a couple weeks fishing with one, it will be the replacement for my Shimanos.  Cost was under $60 from eBay delivered to my door.

[JustJames]

1 hour ago, dragger201 said:

After 15 years my Shimanos are getting beyond rebuild/repair.  Two Bantam Curados and 4 Citicas.  Took a chance on an inexpensive baitcaster, the Kastking Assassin.  After a couple weeks fishing with one, it will be the replacement for my Shimanos.  Cost was under $60 from eBay delivered to my door.

That might not last a couple seasons  or one PB instead of 15 yrars. Another thing to consider is part, it might be harder to find a replacement part for off brand reel.

 

[WSOzzie]

Great question with, as always, great replies.  I had been a spinhead for several years and asked the same question a couple of seasons ago.  I ended up starting with an Exceler, then Lexa and now use the Tatula , almost exclusively.  I have, however, kept all reels on poles in the boat.  Watch the videos provided on how to set one up.  It is ON POINT.   Best of luck, don't get discouraged and tight lines!