Durable multi-use bait caster between $100-$150

[AggieBassin10]

New angler on here from South Texas looking for a new baitcaster in the $100-$150 range. Preferably a reel that can fish everything jigs, plastics, cranks, you name it. I know certain reels work better for different lures and what not but I'm looking to build my arsenal from the ground up and need a starting point. Any suggestions? Please include gear ratios. Thanks!

[Dtrombly]

Tatula SV on eBay. Got mine new for $129. 6.3:1 would probably be the best all-around gear ratio. 

[The Bassman]

3 minutes ago, Dtrombly said:

Tatula SV on eBay. Got mine new for $129. 6.3:1 would probably be the best all-around gear ratio. 

What he said.  I'm primarily a Shimano user but I hear nothing but good things about these. I think they're going around 140.00 now.  Still a good deal considering they retail 200.00.

[desmobob]

Lots of bargains in that range on the big auction site...  I recently picked up a Daiwa Tatula 100 ($129 retail) for $68 and a Lew's Tournament MB ($139 retail) for $86.  The mid-range gear ratio models (~6.3:1) are great all-around reels.  At those prices, you could get a couple of different gear ratios...

 

Tackle Warehouse had Daiwa SV105s on clearance for $148, but they're sold out.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[MassYak85]

Another vote for the Tatula series. Ebay seems to have frequent amazing deals on them so you should be able to get a nice deal. 

[roadwarrior]

 

[AggieBassin10]

Thanks guys! Hadn't considered the Diawas until now

[NorthernBasser]

24 minutes ago, G-Man Outdoors said:

Thanks guys! Hadn't considered the Diawas until now

I've always been a Curado guy. I have multiple ones and just got the Curado K.

 

Last summer I decided to buy a Tatula and give it a shot. Man, I was so impressed I bought 3 more (in different models/ratios). Can't say enough good things about them. 

[AggieBassin10]

6 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

I've always been a Curado guy. I have multiple ones and just got the Curado K.

 

Last summer I decided to buy a Tatula and give it a shot. Man, I was so impressed I bought 3 more (in different models/ratios). Can't say enough good things about them. 

I've been a Curado guy too. I have two relativley newer models but they just haven't held up like the old tank Curados. Pretty sure those work better than the newer models. Being in south Texas, I'm a saltwater angler also. So I always bought Curados because they were pitched as being durable in saltwater. 

 

I'm really looking for something that's a fresh start and I don't care if it doesn't work for saltwater, I'll just use it for freshwater only. I'm relativley new to bass fishing (within the last 3 years), and I'm still trying to figure this world out. I got most of the fishing tactics down, but gotta work on the gear. Especially a reliable arsenal

[PAbasser927]

Another vote for the Tat SV.  I have one in each gear ratio and they are now my go-to reel to outfit to rods as I build my arsenal.  On eBay I haven't paid more than $130 for one and I got my cheapest at $115.

[Dirtyeggroll]

You can get a Curado 70 7.2 on eBay right now for $144.

[MassYak85]

Type R Tatulas in 8.1:1 may or may not be on sale on Ebay right now for half off...

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Tatula-Type-R-100XS-8-1-1-Right-Hand-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-TATULA-R100XS/142450672012?epid=1322623975&hash=item212ab8c18c:g:dvgAAOSwKZtak4yQ

 

click the link at your own (wallet's) risk. 

[AggieBassin10]

7 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

Type R Tatulas in 8.1:1 may or may not be on sale on Ebay right now for half off...

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Tatula-Type-R-100XS-8-1-1-Right-Hand-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-TATULA-R100XS/142450672012?epid=1322623975&hash=item212ab8c18c:g:dvgAAOSwKZtak4yQ

 

click the link at your own (wallet's) risk. 

Thanks but the 8.1:1 is a little bit fast than what I'm looking for right now

[Tywithay]

I've been mostly a Shimano guy and still like the Curado, but I have to agree with the Tatula SV in that price range. At this point, I'd rather fish that reel than just about anything else I own. I have the 8.1, and two 7.3's, and they're both great. I would recommend getting the 7.3 for an all around reel. The slightly faster ratio works a lot better for picking up line when you're working a jig or plastics. With the tech nowadays, the gears are so big and handles are long enough, you don't need a 5.x, or 6.x, reel to pull cranks anymore. I use my 7.3 SV and even a 7.4 Curado K to pull cranks all the time and it's not a strain at all. 

[AggieBassin10]

1 hour ago, Tywithay said:

I've been mostly a Shimano guy and still like the Curado, but I have to agree with the Tatula SV in that price range. At this point, I'd rather fish that reel than just about anything else I own. I have the 8.1, and two 7.3's, and they're both great. I would recommend getting the 7.3 for an all around reel. The slightly faster ratio works a lot better for picking up line when you're working a jig or plastics. With the tech nowadays, the gears are so big and handles are long enough, you don't need a 5.x, or 6.x, reel to pull cranks anymore. I use my 7.3 SV and even a 7.4 Curado K to pull cranks all the time and it's not a strain at all. 

Thanks! That was my biggest fear with a reel in the 7.x-8.x range- cranks. Glad to know a faster reel can still be effective. My current reel is 7.1:1 and it's been successful with cranks, but I don't have enough experience to know if I'm getting the most out of my cranks. 

[JustJames]

Either shimano curado 70 or tatula SV should be good for all around reel. The both good, cast very far and light weight enough. They both should be able to handle lure weight range from 1/4 up to ... oz very well. The curado will suffer on line capacity a little bit if you choose to go with bigger line but the smaller/narrower profile plus sit really low on the reel seat of curado is more comfortable when you fish with jig or any finesse type.

The best way for you is to try to hold both with your prefer rod to see which one is more comfortable for you.

 

[wpwarhawk]

Tatula or Tatula CT.  I have several of these and some more exotic reels, but nothing really beats the Tatula series for me. 

 

Ebay for the best prices, and you can get 20% off by using the code PRETTYDAY until 3/26

[iceintheveins]

Tatula CT. The Curado is great too but is $179.00.

[Catt]

Lew's Speed Spool LFS Series

5.6:1, 6.8:1, or 7.5:1

Weight: 7.0 oz

one-piece die-cast aluminum frame

High-strength solid brass gearing
Premium 10 double shielded stainless steel bearing

Externally adjustable Magnetic Control System (MCS)

Durable Rulon drag system - 10lb max drag

 

$99.99 

[CroakHunter]

Daiwa fuego ct. Save some $

[FishDewd]

edit: missed where you only said reel... it was late. Yeah tons of option for that range, though I have a tighter budget on equipment than you do so I haven't dabbled much in newer Daiwas and Shimanos.

[Riazuli]

I'd go with either a Shimano Curado K or Daiwa Tatula SV with the low gear ratio.  You can get either one within your budget. 

[AggieBassin10]

14 hours ago, wpwarhawk said:

Tatula or Tatula CT.  I have several of these and some more exotic reels, but nothing really beats the Tatula series for me. 

 

Ebay for the best prices, and you can get 20% off by using the code PRETTYDAY until 3/26

Thanks so much for the code! Much appreciated

10 hours ago, Catt said:

Lew's Speed Spool LFS Series

5.6:1, 6.8:1, or 7.5:1

Weight: 7.0 oz

one-piece die-cast aluminum frame

High-strength solid brass gearing
Premium 10 double shielded stainless steel bearing

Externally adjustable Magnetic Control System (MCS)

Durable Rulon drag system - 10lb max drag

 

$99.99 

My dad has a Lew's inshore series and he loves it. I figured more Lew's fans would show up but apparently Diawa seems to be taking the cake

[BrackishBassin]

37 minutes ago, G-Man Outdoors said:

Thanks so much for the code! Much appreciated

My dad has a Lew's inshore series and he loves it. I figured more Lew's fans would show up but apparently Diawa seems to be taking the cake

I think there are less OEM fans on these forums than their are people that prefer companies that design and produce their own stuff. Not to mention, Daiwas are hard to beat if you look at the features being offered at particular price point. 

[Tywithay]

39 minutes ago, G-Man Outdoors said:

Thanks so much for the code! Much appreciated

My dad has a Lew's inshore series and he loves it. I figured more Lew's fans would show up but apparently Diawa seems to be taking the cake

With that Prettyday code they have on ebay through the 26th, you can actually get some really nice deals on Lew's reels. They have the Tourney Pros, Hyper Mag, etc., for right around your budget.