Looking at getting my first baitcaster, need help

[Lunker Addict]

     So i have always been a spinning rod guy but have come to realize that there are applications where a baitcaster would be much better. 

     I am currently having 2 rods built and am considering having one built as a casting rod. It is a North Fork Conposite MB 705-1 blank, which is M/H fast 7.0ft. I am going to have to pair it with a reel and am hoping for suggestions on gear ratio and size. It will be primarily a buzzbait/spinnerbait rod. I'm hoping for something that is beginner friendly. As far as spinning reels go, I have been a Shimano guy most my life and am looking at a Chronarch and it feels nice, but again this is all new to me. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

 

jeremy

[NHBull]

I can't  speak to the rod, but the crronarch MGL at 7:1 is an awesome setup and very user friendly.  I am getting 2 more this winter

[YaknBassn]

I typically use a reel in the 6.4:1 range.  Fast enough to burn 'em, but easy enough to slow down and slow roll.

[fishnkamp]

I would recommend a Daiwa Tatula CT in a 6.3-1 ratio if you are looking at a very easy reel to use and one that will hold up well for you.  For a spinning reel I would look at Daiwa BG or Pflueger Supreme

[new2BC4bass]

Haven't used a Shimano newer than the E series, but the MGL gets excellent reviews.  I like Daiwas (slightly over half my reels are Daiwas).  But the most user friendly reel I have is a Pinnacle Primmus Xi HS.  6.3:1 ratio and 5.8 oz.  Nice looking, casts like a dream and gets good distance.  Another seldom mentioned reel I really like is the Okuma Helios Air.

 

Only got out once with my Tatula SV TWS so far.  Like how if feels....and looks.  Distance nothing to brag about yet, but it was increasing by the time I packed it up to go home.  By that I mean distance was average at first.  Only time will tell (for me), but it handled well so far.

 

Pflueger casting reels seldom get mentioned.  Look at the reels from the Supreme XT up in price range.  My Patriarch XT has been a fine reel.  Also very user friendly with its dual brakes.

 

Spending the kind of money a Chronarch costs will make it almost impossible to find a bad reel.  I've got to say that if you are a Shimano guy, then I would stick with a Shimano because it will most likely please you the most.....even if some of it is only in your head.    We like what we like.  Me........I like um all.  

[fishnkamp]

"You like em all" ! Be honest the gear monkey likes you the most!!! 

[Lunker Addict]

Thanks for all of the replies. The rod won't be done until mid September so I have a while. 

[BobP]

I've been a Shimano fan for 25 years but have to admit I got a Tatula last year and frankly find it easier to cast with fewer backlashes than any of my various A, B, and E series Simanos.  Don't think you'll be disappointed with a Tatula CT.

[bigfruits]

dont think "beginner friendly" when looking at a reel. you are getting custom rods so you are def in for the long run. get the best reel you can afford. you will learn how to cast it in no time. buy once.

[Boomstick]

On 8/6/2017 at 7:07 PM, fishnkamp said:

I would recommend a Daiwa Tatula CT in a 6.3-1 ratio if you are looking at a very easy reel to use and one that will hold up well for you.  For a spinning reel I would look at Daiwa BG or Pflueger Supreme

 

I have the Tatula SV and it's a great reel. I had already learned to use a baitcaster, and it's really easy to setup. If you really want something "beginner friendly" though, I would say just get an Abu Garcia Black Max and learn how to use it -- not that it's really any more "beginner friendly" but they're more wallet friendly, so if you don't like the baitcasters you don't waste too much money. Also you could try one of the Kast King reels as well, they're cheaper and I gather offer highly competitive performance but no idea how long they hold up.

[new2BC4bass]

On 8/7/2017 at 0:00 AM, fishnkamp said:

"You like em all" ! Be honest the gear monkey likes you the most!!! 

 

Yeah, but I have had him in a Half Nelson for awhile.  He overcame me late one night while I was a bit weak and the Tat SV was the result.  I found out later I could have gotten it for about $50 less. 

 

Although I like em all, I am gravitating towards several.  Still quite a few, tho.

 

Two of my last 3 were free.  Daiwas, of course!    Was a surprise to me.  I had made a fellow member some custom parts.  I've never charged anyone for them.  However, he wouldn't have that.  Cosmetically not ones you would write home about, but he went through the internals and made some upgrades.  Cast very well.  The very definition of "Oldies, but goodies." 

[fishnkamp]

I have learned from the "reel gurus" how they often take a less expensive reel and exchange out a few bushing for good bearings and end up with a better reel than perhaps a much more expensive reel in the companies lineup and do it fore less.