New Bait Caster

[mllrtm79]

One of the things that I like about the black Max is the ability to change the brake setting easily, just a dial on the side. As you get warmed up you can dial it back... Or if you change to a lighter lure

[snake95]

On 2/1/2017 at 0:24 PM, Bassyaker319 said:

I have been looking at the Abu Garcia Silver Max and I was wondering if it seems like a decent rod and reel combo? Also what type of line should I use?

I'll throw my 2c in here as a guy who switched over to complimenting spinning gear with baitcasters about 1.5 years ago - recently enough to really relate, but with a little experience too.  I don't have anyone to teach me - just Youtube and Bassresource.  As a little background, I started out very frugally - at the time I couldn't imagine spending a penny more than $100 on a rod and reel combo, and was very concerned I might not like it.  

 

My experience is in agreement with all of the above - note that the guys who have commented already are avid fishermen and experts that you can rely on - I have listened to their advice and it has paid dividends.  To mostly echo what they have said:

 

- You probably won't actually get a better value from a pre-made combo than by putting one together yourself

- I started with the Abu Promax.  I soon upgraded to more expensive Abus and Daiwas.  I learned on it and I became a better fisherman because of it, and got much more into bass fishing.  These lower-priced max series reels are liked by many, and DO work fine, but I agree that you can get a better value by spending just a little more, e.g. the suggestions posted above

- There are reasonable rods under $50 as mentioned.  The idea to check out your local Walmart is a great one.  It is clearance time, and you can always ask a manager if they can reduce the price further.  I have great KVD and Falcon rods I got for $15-20 each there.

- I gravitated to a lefty since I spin left like most.  If you can try both, that's a good idea.

 

Its not likely you will regret picking up a baitcaster.  If you can go over $100 a bit you won't regret it.  But you'll be fishing just fine if you can't make it above that level, too.

 

Oh yeah - use mono appropriately sized for the rod ratings.  Lots of opinions on that one but Big Game is a super choice; Berkley XL is what I use mostly too.

 

 

[roadwarrior]

A higher quality reel reduces the "learning curve" dramatically. Buy a "better" reel and it will last for years, maybe decades.

On sale or gently used you can buy an outstanding reel for under $100. 

 

[Nscheele]

I startes out with the Abu garcia Promax combo with a 7' Med fast rod. It's been an excellent setup. I have upgraded and now have 7 casting combos and three higher end spinning combos but still use the Promax, and it performs really well. I feel the rod is very sensitive for the money, and haven't had any issue with the reel to speak of. I did as others have said and practiced in the yard with a nut or just piece of lead tied on to learn. There's nothing wrong with making 1000 25 yard casts to get the feel of it, in fact it'll probably take that many. I clean and re-lubricate the reel twice per year or if it is dropped in the water or sand. It's been a great setup and I don't think you would go wrong with it.  

[fluna]

If you have a Bass Pro near by, wait until they start their fishing classic, rumor has rthe Pro Qualifer will be around $60.00 and Berkley shock rods usually around $30.00. Good starter combo and wont break the bank. They also offer trade in of /rods/reels for coupons towards new rods/reels. I started off with mono while learning, a lot cheaper when I would have to cut out line because I backlashed so bad a few times, now it rarely happens. (only when I am rushing or not paying attention)

[CTBassin860]

Definitely recommend starting with mono like the others have said.I learned on the silver max combo myself and its not amazing but its not a bad combo.It took me a good 3 days to get the hang of it but im glad i stuck with it.I hated it for a couple of those days,but once i got it i loved it.

[MDbassin]

2 minutes ago, fluna said:

If you have a Bass Pro near by, wait until they start their fishing classic, rumor has rthe Pro Qualifer will be around $60.00 and Berkley shock rods usually around $30.00. Good starter combo and wont break the bank. They also offer trade in of /rods/reels for coupons towards new rods/reels. I started off with mono while learning, a lot cheaper when I would have to cut out line because I backlashed so bad a few times, now it rarely happens. (only when I am rushing or not paying attention)

That's not a bad idea. The pro qualifiers are really nice reels.

Edwin Evers won the classic last year on Carbonlite rods and pro qualifier reels neither of which will break the bank

[CTBassin860]

25 minutes ago, MassBassin508 said:

Definitely recommend starting with mono like the others have said.I learned on the silver max combo myself and its not amazing but its not a bad combo.It took me a good 3 days to get the hang of it but im glad i stuck with it.I hated it for a couple of those days,but once i got it i loved it.

Ive heard the same.50-60 bucks so the can get the PQ2 on the shelves.That is a complete steal.Id grab 2 at that price.I love my PQ,not as light as my others but not a big deal at all.

[JustJames]

My .02 cent start with a better and easy to resale reel is better than cheap combo. If you dont like it you can resale it easier or in case you wanna upgrade the reel you still can sell it at much more value. there are plenty of quality under 100 reels that already mention. I dont think you can sell cheap combo for more than half the price you paid but with let say daiwa tatula you might be able to get back 70%.

Cheap but not bad quality rod as other mention lightning rod is the way to go light enough and sensitive enough. I still have one or two laying aroud and ready to use from 10 years ago. Purefishing outlet is also good online source to buy rod and reel.

 

btw ask those who got cheap combo how fast they upgrade their for a better one. If you start with already better you might not even have to upgrade yours for a long long time.