First baitcaster

[alpaca]

1 hour ago, Nscheele said:

If you aren't extremely hard on equipment, as in throwing them around and general neglect, I don't see how a graphite frame wouldn't last. Every baitcast reel I have is a  graphite frame and I've had zero issues with any of them. Now I do only use them when I can, nowhere near how a professional would, but that shouldn't make any difference. If you want an aluminum frame, go for it. Just keep in mind there is nothing wrong with a graphite frame for the average guy fighting average fish with them. 

Thanks. I will be relatively easy on it and probably fish 3-4 times a week. A graphite frame should work. Now, should I go with a silver max or a pro max?

[Nscheele]

I started out with a pro max combo and still use it. It's been a nice setup, never had a problem with it. The reel was easy enough to set up and the rod is pretty sensitive and comfortable. For no more than it cost I don't think you would go wrong with it. Mine is the 6'6" medium rod. 

[Jaderose]

On 4/1/2017 at 5:28 PM, BassGirl71 said:

Bearing count is pretty important. The more bearings you can afford in a reel, the smoother and farther it will be able to cast.  It will also be smoother when you're reeling in.

And this is why the Shishamo is the world's best reel.  Pretty sure they just glued bearings to the handles and all over the place.  (bassgirl's statement is NOT always true.)

 

[BassGirl71]

Not sure where you got those photos,  but I've never seen a reel with that many bearings. And yes, bearings do matter. But you're entitled to you opinion. 

[moguy1973]

20 hours ago, alpaca said:

How are the bass pro reels? Looking at the bionic blade, pro qualifier, and JM carbonlight. The carbonlight looks like the best choice. Does anybody have any experience with these?

I learned how to use a bait caster on a BPS Pro Qualifier.  I think they are great starter reels.  I've since converted to Lew's as I think they are smoother and cast farther than any other reel I've tried.  BPS has the Carbonlite rod/PQ combo for a little over what you want to spend but that'd be a good starting combo.

 

 

[alpaca]

Ok... Here is what I have narrowed it down to. Lews speed spool, daiwa aird, bass pro JM, bass pro bionic place, or pro max.

[fishnkamp]

I am a big Daiwa fan, but I would go Daiwa Tatula CT over any of those.  They can be had for $100 shipped to your door. The Aird has the older designed MagForce braking system. You will find a big improvement when you move up to a Daiwa Fuego or Tatula CT which have the MagForce Z braking system. That system is so easy to adjust and just go fish.

[Columbia Craw]

Diawa Tatula CT and the best rod you can find on sale.  My co-worker just started bass fishing and I handed him my CT, set it and he was winging the baits in 15 minutes.  At 100 bucks it's the way to go.

[greentrout]

Bass Pro Bionic for 80 dollars or the less expensive Tourney Special will suffice if you don't do heavy day in and day out tournament style fishing for a first b/c reel and Bass Pro will back them up with a phone call. I'd get one that brings in at least 26 inches per handle turn. Promise...

[alpaca]

I'm just pond fishing, is the tatula overkill?

[moguy1973]

9 hours ago, alpaca said:

Ok... Here is what I have narrowed it down to. Lews speed spool, daiwa aird, bass pro JM, bass pro bionic place, or pro max.

I had a Bionic plus on a non-micro Bionic blade and I recently replaced the reel with a Lew's Mach II because the reel developed a grinding noise.  BPS told me that they don't carry that model of Bionic plus anymore so all they could do is give me credit during the Spring classic and not a full replacement.  The rod is just OK.  Not real sensitive so I just use it as a topwater rod now.  The Carbonlite rod will definitely be a better choice than the Blade.

[XpressJeff]

20 hours ago, alpaca said:

I'm just pond fishing, is the tatula overkill?

 

Is a quality reel EVER overkill?

 

It will serve you well longer without issues and fishing will be more enjoyable.

 

Besides, pond fishing is NOT what you will always do!

[RippinLips57]

Look into the abu Garcia pro max it's a really good high quality smooth reel that will last for a while and it's around you're price range too, The revo is a good reel to but it's like 120 I think but you get what you pay for.  

[new2BC4bass]

On 4/4/2017 at 11:10 PM, alpaca said:

I'm just pond fishing, is the tatula overkill?

 

No.  I agree with Jeff.  Now if you asked if a Steez, Zillion, Ryoga, Antares, Aldebaran, Conquest, Metanium, "E", Team Pro, Ito Monoblock, etc. were overkill, then I would say yes.  A $280-$680 reel would be a bit much unless you have the funds and love having really nice gear.

[ThatZX14Fella]

Tatula or bust. Buy nice gear and you won't have to buy twice.

[roadwarrior]

 

[alpaca]

Ok tatula sounds nice. Is the fuego much different or should I just spend more and get a tatula?

[nameiztaken]

Just posted this on another thread, but the Fuego CT is a great reel (even compared to $160 Curados).

It can be found any day of the week on the auction site for under $80 shipped! Its basically a Tatula CT without T-Wing.