Baitcaster Combo - daiwa tatula ct / abu garcia revo / PQ 2.0?

[NH-Fishin]

I am looking to buy my first bait caster set up and am sitting on a $200 gift card to Bass Pro. I am looking at getting a 7' rod, MHF. Three combos caught my eye on their website. A Daiwa Tatula CT on a PQ 2.0 rod ($200), Abu Garcia Revo X on a pro qualifier rod ($180), and a PQ 2.0 on a PQ 2.0 rod ($170). Really I am a bit at a loss as what to get - the selection is a bit overwhelming. Any thoughts on what you would go for of these three, or a similarly priced alternative (up to $200)?

 

Pretty much all of my fishing now is done on a St Croix Triumph MLF 7' with a daiwa BG spinning reel, just need something for the heavier tackle. I love that reel so was leaning towards the Daiwa side, but was curious what kind of guidance can be offered. Seems can't go wrong with any, but what would you buy?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Tat combo looks like a good deal. 

[Lead Head]

Personally, I would try really hard to come up with $50 and buy a fuego ct off eBay. Then use the gift card to get a better rod. If your not familiar with the fuego ct just do a forum search, they have been talked about plenty and are almost the same reel as a tatula. $200 will give you a lot of options on rods, and you can walk around BPS and pick out the one you like the most.

[sdsc357]

I would stay away from the PQ 2.0 casting reel. It's not as good as the original. I'm not sure about the rod, don't have any experience with it. I did have a Gen4 revo x and sx, sold both on CL a few weeks after buying it. I thought they would fish better than lews. I have since replaced my lews with fuego ct.

[DogBone_384]

I have a couple of 2014 PQ casting rods and like them very much.  The bait monkey forced me to buy other brands so they don’t get much use anymore.  They’re great first baitcast rods.

 

As far as the reel, all three are good choices.  I own all the popular brands and find Diawa and *** excellent feel and quality.

 

My advice is to go to BPS and handle the combos yourself.  How they feel in your hand is most important.

 

Because it’s your first BC setup, spool it with 12# mono and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE... There are tutorial videos in this forum and online.

 

Best of luck with your choice.  Hope it gets you a PB.

[NH-Fishin]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone, I am headed to Bass Pro tomorrow to see what feels good.

 

I do have some cheap mono to get some good practice in the yard - I am looking forward to the challenge!

 

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, NH-Fishin said:

Thanks for the thoughts everyone, I am headed to Bass Pro tomorrow to see what feels good.

 

I do have some cheap mono to get some good practice in the yard - I am looking forward to the challenge!

 

Don't forget if you have a cabelas close by they honor bass pro gift cards as well. 

[J.Vincent]

I would recommend the Revo X for $99.99 and a 7ft Veritas MH Fast for $99.99