Beginner Baitcaster

[Brenden]

What is the best beginner baitcaster for a teen that doesn't have a lot of money

[fishnkamp]

ABu Garcia Black Max combo usually. Look online and see what deals you can find.

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I imagine you're going to get a lot of responses to this from folks far more knowledgeable than I so I'm just going to make a few general suggestions and hope they help.

 

1. You can indicate how much you want to spend to help them give you suggestions. It also helps them if you can describe the type of fishing (bank/boat/, river/lake, types of lures you prefer) in which you will be engaging. Makes a world of difference in the tackle which might be appropriate for you.

 

2. You might want to use the Search function on here to look for inexpensive outfits. This topic appears frequently so there is already a lot of good info available for about any price range. You can also check the Beginner articles here for existing info. Lots of good stuff there too.

 

3. As you read recommendations, always remember that what works for one guy doesn't work for the next guy. A 6'4" guy may love a reel that you can't even wrap your mitt around!

 

4. Beware the guy that says, "All you need is .... (fill in the blank)".  He may be right, but he may have different requirements, a different budget, and probably a higher skill level.  ALWAYS look for a recommendation that is backed by the rationale for the choice. You want to know WHY someone likes (or dislikes) a specific product.

 

5.  My personal opinion is NEVER buy a rig you haven't actually held in your hands!!!! As you read the recommendations, make a list and take it to your local retailer(s). Then choose from the rigs you can actually hold and manipulate. There are a lot of good manufacturers making quality products and, with help from the guys here, you will find what you need.

 

Good luck!

[Choporoz]

 

[Brenden]

39 minutes ago, GrumpyOlPhartte said:

I imagine you're going to get a lot of responses to this from folks far more knowledgeable than I so I'm just going to make a few general suggestions and hope they help.

 

1. You can indicate how much you want to spend to help them give you suggestions. It also helps them if you can describe the type of fishing (bank/boat/, river/lake, types of lures you prefer) in which you will be engaging. Makes a world of difference in the tackle which might be appropriate for you.

 

2. You might want to use the Search function on here to look for inexpensive outfits. This topic appears frequently so there is already a lot of good info available for about any price range. You can also check the Beginner articles here for existing info. Lots of good stuff there too.

 

3. As you read recommendations, always remember that what works for one guy doesn't work for the next guy. A 6'4" guy may love a reel that you can't even wrap your mitt around!

 

4. Beware the guy that says, "All you need is .... (fill in the blank)".  He may be right, but he may have different requirements, a different budget, and probably a higher skill level.  ALWAYS look for a recommendation that is backed by the rationale for the choice. You want to know WHY someone likes (or dislikes) a specific product.

 

5.  My personal opinion is NEVER buy a rig you haven't actually held in your hands!!!! As you read the recommendations, make a list and take it to your local retailer(s). Then choose from the rigs you can actually hold and manipulate. There are a lot of good manufacturers making quality products and, with help from the guys here, you will find what you need.

 

Good luck!

Thank you for the advice

[NYWayfarer]

All you need is a Kastking Stealth...sorry couldn't resist. I am violating #4 and #5 of the above advice with my choice.

 

Seriously though check out the fishing articles, tackle review section on this site. There are reviews on rods and reels from many trusted sources of Bass Resource. Some of those rods and reels are budget friendly.

[WRB]

Dobyns Colt CL 703C rod with Daiwa Laguna LGN100HSA bait casting reel on sale TW, combo approx $130.

Both high quality companies and products.

Tom

[Catt]

Lew's® American Hero Baitcast Rod & Reel Combo

Lew's® Laser TXS rod & reel combo

 

Reel: 7.1:1 gear ratio

Rod: 6' 6", 6' 10" or 7'

 

Both can be had at Academy for $80

[Tracker22]

First thing you need to do as a beginner is to learn how to clear a backlash in a timely manner. Practice casting with different weights and adjustments at home. If you know you can handle it on the water, you won't get frustrated.

[Bruce424]

Honestly I would choose the kasting assassin. Because of the dual brake system. I dialed that reel in for my wife, And it almost behaves like a spincast reel. Rarely a birdsnest

[moguy1973]

I learned on a Bass Pro Pro Qualifier on a Shimano Clarus rod.  I got the Pro Qualifier on sale for $60 (But they can be found for around $50 on Black Friday) and the rod was on sale for $40.  I still use that rod and reel for a lot of things.  The reel has a dual braking system and it's a nice reel to start with.

[3crows]

I just got a Caenan for right at $70, last one, missing the instruction book. Whinned until they gave me %10 off. It is outstanding for a sub $100 dollar reel. I like it. No it is not a high or mid range price point reel and it shows in some ways but functionally the little bugger is quite fine.

 

J

[CTBassin860]

Knowing your budget helps. But most somewhat decent combos are going to run you 70-100$ Look at the Abu Garcia Silver/Black Max line to start.

[Chance_Taker4]

On ‎8‎/‎11‎/‎2017 at 6:35 PM, WRB said:

Dobyns Colt CL 703C rod with Daiwa Laguna LGN100HSA bait casting reel on sale TW, combo approx $130.

Both high quality companies and products.

Tom

 

Not to highjack the thread but how long has the Colt been available? I never knew Dobyns offered a $80 rod.

[Sam]

After you make your purchase get with me via personal message and I will share with you how to set up the baitcaster to avoid or minimize backlashes.

[WRB]

10 hours ago, Chance_Taker4 said:

 

Not to highjack the thread but how long has the Colt been available? I never knew Dobyns offered a $80 rod.

Gary just put this rod on his home page last week.

Tom

[ohboyitsrobby]

You can get the okuma stratus v at dicks right now for $35. I have one and their solid reels especially for the on sale price. It'd leave you some leeway for a rod too if your on a budget

Oh and the lews carbon fire rods are on sale at dicks too for $40 so $80ish after taxes for the combo. 

[Fishes in trees]

Might try looking in pawn shops - never know what you might find.

[dave]

From what state might you hail?

[MasterBasser]

On 8/11/2017 at 8:49 PM, Bruce424 said:

Honestly I would choose the kasting assassin. Because of the dual brake system. I dialed that reel in for my wife, And it almost behaves like a spincast reel. Rarely a birdsnest

I don't have one of these yet but I hope to get one to try out.  I do have a cheap ABU orra sx combo.  It is okay, not great.  I've had some problems with it and I find it doesn't cast very far and I do have problems with backlash.  I had a rod tip come apart after a few days and some times the spool release catches during cast.  I don't know if this is common on all the cheaper stuff. 

 

From what I can see the dual brakes on the kastking help greatly prevent backlash and they cast far.  It's worth a mention that while $60 might be cheap compared to some reels, I only paid $79 shipped for my combo.  

 

I've also had trouble trying to understand the cost for value of many of the other brands.  Is a $50 reel much different from a $75?  Is there a point where they become "good"?  

[WRB]

The difference is quality control, design, customer service and warranty. 

If the rod and reel you plan to purchase has a good resale value, then other anglers are willing to buy it from you. If you can't find a buyer then it's worthless, regardless what you initially paid for it!

Take a look at what is popular on the after market. Daiwa, Shimano always have good value because of thier reputation. 

Tom

[BrianSnat]

Cabelas has the Lews Super Duty Speed Spool on sale for $99 and it is one heck of a reel for that price.   I just bought one and I'm impressed.  It's as good as reels I have that cost  twice that.  They also have the Fenwick Silverhawk II on sale for $50. A real sweet rod for that price. For a little less you can find the Berkley Lightining Rod Shock for $39 at Walmart and other outlets.  It is a  very good rod for the money.  For the extra $11 I'd go for the Fenwick, but with either you have a  really good bait caster and rod for $150 or less.

[Brenden]

14 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

Might try looking in pawn shops - never know what you might find.

Already got on from bass pro but thanks anyway

10 hours ago, dave said:

From what state might you hail?

Pa

1 hour ago, briansnat said:

Cabelas has the Lews Super Duty Speed Spool on sale for $99 and it is one heck of a reel for that price.   I just bought one and I'm impressed.  It's as good as reels I have that cost  twice that.  They also have the Fenwick Silverhawk II on sale for $50. A real sweet rod for that price. For a little less you can find the Berkley Lightining Rod Shock for $39 at Walmart and other outlets.  It is a  very good rod for the money.  For the extra $11 I'd go for the Fenwick, but with either you have a  really good bait caster and rod for $150 or less.

My local gander mountain only had the gander mountain brand but I went to Dicks and got one

3 hours ago, WRB said:

The difference is quality control, design, customer service and warranty. 

If the rod and reel you plan to purchase has a good resale value, then other anglers are willing to buy it from you. If you can't find a buyer then it's worthless, regardless what you initially paid for it!

Take a look at what is popular on the after market. Daiwa, Shimano always have good value because of thier reputation. 

Tom

I got a Lew's Mach ll speed spool

[new2BC4bass]

Whereabouts in PA?  I'm on the east end next to NJ.  Congrats on the Lew's reel.  I'd let you try a few different brands (rods & reels) if you live near me.

 

I hope you got a good deal on that reel.  The Tournament MB sells for the same price at TW and has an aluminum frame instead of a graphite frame.  It can be had for just under $110 on ebay.  I've never checked on the Mach II prices.  The Mach II is visually more interesting, tho. 

[Brenden]

On 8/17/2017 at 7:04 AM, new2BC4bass said:

Whereabouts in PA?  I'm on the east end next to NJ.  Congrats on the Lew's reel.  I'd let you try a few different brands (rods & reels) if you live near me.

 

I hope you got a good deal on that reel.  The Tournament MB sells for the same price at TW and has an aluminum frame instead of a graphite frame.  It can be had for just under $110 on ebay.  I've never checked on the Mach II prices.  The Mach II is visually more interesting, tho. 

Would love love to try new setups but I live in the western side towards Pittsburgh