Which Daiwa Baitcasting reel is right for me? Overwhelmed with choices

[Seafury]

Hi everyone,

 

I just got back into fishing.

 

Grew up with my dads handme down Daiwa ultra light spinning rods and reels.

 

Love them.

 

Recently bought a Abu Garcia blackmax combo.

It's ok but does not cast far, hates light lures. 12lb mono.

 

Also bought a Abu Garcia promax on a silver vengeance rod.

Much smoother,  casts farther, stiffer rod for sure. 12lb mono also.

 

I fish creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes, anywhere the bass are, large and smallmouth, snakeheads on my to do list asap also.

Mostly from shore, or renta jon, until I decide on a kayak or small plastic bass boat or jon boat.

 

Still have my ultra lights for when i need them, mostly in creeks.

 

What Daiwa baitcaster would yall recommend for me?

Like to keep it at or under $200 with a good rod if possible, but open to suggestions on just reel.

 

Needs to be all around for all baits, senko worms, bass spinners, crank baits, jigs, frogs, etc.

 

I prefer rods no longer then 7ft since 1 piece is all the rage, they are a pita to transport and store.

Used to my short ultra lights in 1 piece and 2 piece.

 

Thanks for any guidance!

[jmz313]

Spend 80-100 on a CA-80 then $120 on a Mojo Rod of your liking?  I feel that's the best $200-ish Diawa Reel based combo you could get off the shelf.  probably a ton of suitable rod options though if you want to really drill down. 

[Choporoz]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Tatula-Bass-610-MH-Baitcasting-Rod-TTU6101MHFB/202656146953?epid=2295010775&hash=item2f2f3f6609:g:4h8AAOSwZ75ct4XN

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DAIWA-TATULA-100H-TTU100H-6-3-1-RIGHT-HAND-BAITCAST-REEL-/202704763544?hash=item2f32253a98

 

Busted your budget, but if Daiwa is where you want to be, I think the extra $50 will give you a combo that you will use for the next decade without feeling a need to replace or upgrade.  Won't be the best for crankbaits, but will cover the rest of your needs pretty well.

[fishballer06]

The Tatula 100 is probably your best bet. 

[Junger]

Tatula SV TW, which goes for about $159 at the Tackle Trap. It can handle lighter lures for your creek/stream lures with the right rod.

[YoTone]

if you can find a fuego ct for around $70 ive found them to be really smooth and solid to work with.

[new2BC4bass]

Fenwick makes some 2-piece rods.  I'd also look to the Japanese market.  I have 2-piece Major Craft and Graphiteleader.  Berkley makes 2-piece rods.  KastKing makes some 2-piece rods (at least one line has 2 tips with it) that is suppose to be quite good for the $$$.

 

RH or LH reel?  You okay buying used?  Some really good deals can be had used.  Sales and closeouts can sometimes be quite good.  I got a Patriarch and Supreme XT last winter when Pflueger was having a sale.  $150 reel for $60 and $200 reel for $80.  Don't know how light they will comfortably cast.  There are a couple LH Patriarchs for sale on another forum for $85.

 

Forget the name, but there is a $50 reel (I think on Ali Express) that handles light lures quite well...from the couple reviews I've read.  Think it is reviewed on this site in an older thread.   Fuego CT gets a lot of attention.  Think you can get a spool (DIY) for it that will allow it to handle light lures fairly well.

 

Quite a few options available these days.  Good luck.

[JediAmoeba]

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/daiwa-tatula-ctbass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-2-baitcast-rod-and-reel-combo?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&affcode_c=&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8svsBRDqARIsAHKVyqF-YRiiMe1QKoL2HxsRxLc65vCn5frFl4iGgyGb0xGuUPkURYwig8IaApZjEALw_wcB

 

You want this guy.  I would go 7', 7.3:1 gear ratio and medium power for a beginner.

[Seafury]

Thanks everyone, great advice!

 

Which gearing is best for all around compromise, the 6.3 or 7.1 etc?

 

Getting closer to a reel decision now.

 

Forget a rod for the time being, let's just focus on a good reel staying well under $200 if possible.

 

Do I need the SV special spool setup, or will a regular one be good enough?

 

I mostly use mono, but do have some spiderwire 20lb braid, don't really like it, brittle and chaffs easily, nests like a mother, on the Abu Procast. Seems everyone uses some crazy imported line I've never heard of theses days?

 

Thanks again!

[Seafury]

20 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Fenwick makes some 2-piece rods.  I'd also look to the Japanese market.  I have 2-piece Major Craft and Graphiteleader.  Berkley makes 2-piece rods.  KastKing makes some 2-piece rods (at least one line has 2 tips with it) that is suppose to be quite good for the $$$.

 

RH or LH reel?  You okay buying used?  Some really good deals can be had used.  Sales and closeouts can sometimes be quite good.  I got a Patriarch and Supreme XT last winter when Pflueger was having a sale.  $150 reel for $60 and $200 reel for $80.  Don't know how light they will comfortably cast.  There are a couple LH Patriarchs for sale on another forum for $85.

 

Forget the name, but there is a $50 reel (I think on Ali Express) that handles light lures quite well...from the couple reviews I've read.  Think it is reviewed on this site in an older thread.   Fuego CT gets a lot of attention.  Think you can get a spool (DIY) for it that will allow it to handle light lures fairly well.

 

Quite a few options available these days.  Good luck.

Thanks for your advice.

 

I am right handed but have always casted left handed and reel right hand.

 

Though I fly cast right handed.

 

Go figure lol.

 

I do try to mix it up with the baitcaster though.

 

Think I am ok with 1 piece rods as long as they are under 7ft.

 

Prefer new, on sale, recon, open box, or closeout etc.

I Normally buy lots of things used but I want new so I know it will last 20+ years like my old stuff did.

 

Daiwa is what I grew up on and trust, I know there are lots of brands now and everyone likes different things, so hard to choose. I also understand they are still a premium brand, which I prefer also.

 

For truly light stuff I have my Ultralights and Fly rod.

 

This is about large and smallmouth bass and Snakeheads.

I live in North Va less then 30 miles west/south of the Potomac River.

19 minutes ago, JediAmoeba said:

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/daiwa-tatula-ctbass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-2-baitcast-rod-and-reel-combo?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&affcode_c=&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8svsBRDqARIsAHKVyqF-YRiiMe1QKoL2HxsRxLc65vCn5frFl4iGgyGb0xGuUPkURYwig8IaApZjEALw_wcB

 

You want this guy.

Thanks,

 

I have been looking at this option.

Not available in stores near me of course lol.

 

Right on the money price wise.

 

But I am wondering if the SV reel is better for me?

 

I also don't feel like baitcasters cast as far as my spinning reels, especially the Abu Blackmax, it sucks. Procast is not bad, but still nothing like my spinning reels for distance.

 

Is this normal, or I just need higher quality reels like I am asking about here?

 

Yes, I am new to Baitcasters, always thought they were dumb and overly complex and always nested for me years ago when I last looked at them. Not so bad now I am learning, although I find the rod grip uncomfortable and hurts my fingers, probly due to not being used to them heh.

[MN Fisher]

Tatula CT reel - https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Tatula-Baitcast-Fishing-Reels/dp/B01CUWGKAO?th=1&psc=1

Tatula XT rod - https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-0001-4032-TXT701MFB-Tatula-Cast/dp/B013RTHZ8A?th=1&psc=1

 

Just a bit over your budget...but a well recommended reel on a fairly good rod.

 

Toss the Spiderwire and get some Power Pro in 30#

[fishwizzard]

2 hours ago, Seafury said:

 

Forget a rod for the time being, let's just focus on a good reel staying well under $200 if possible.

 

Do I need the SV special spool setup, or will a regular one be good enough?

For $200 at a Daiwa reel, the Tat SV is the clear winner.  You don't "need" an SV spool, but it's they are really nice for a lot of applications. 

 

This $35 finesse spool will let you cast about as low as you skill level and any reasonable bass rod will let you go.  

 

[Shimano_1]

Obviously several different opinions.  My advice would be a Fuego ct. I've had tatulas and tatula sv and 100's. Of all those I'd pick the Fuego.  Absolutely despise the t wing so that limits my selection of daiwas. Actually sold all mine off and replaced with lews recently.....I know....how crazy am I?  Any of daiwas reels will serve u just fine just a matter of what u want for the money ur willing to spend.

[Hammer 4]

I agree somewhat with Shimano_1, I have the Fuego, the 100, 150 and 200. The Fuego is a great reel for the $$, you can find them at a discount on e bay. That's not to say the other Diawa's aren't great, I happen to like the T Wing..

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

One of my favorite things about Daiwa used to be their full but simple lineup. They’re competing with Lews to see who can have the most redundant line. Sorry for the rant.  You’ve gotten good advice here. 

[zell_pop1]

33 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

One of my favorite things about Daiwa used to be their full but simple lineup. They’re competing with Lews to see who can have the most redundant line. Sorry for the rant.  You’ve gotten good advice here. 

100% true these days.

To answer the question though just get a FuegoCT on ebay/Amazon for $70ish.

[swhit140]

I've used the Fuego CT this year and I would highly recommend it. You can usually find it around $79. Easy to setup and casts well. After I bought one I had to order another one. I don't think you can go wrong with the Fuego CT.

[new2BC4bass]

If you re looking for maximum distance, then I wouldn't get the Tatula SV.  I get pretty good distance, but these spools are braked heavier than a standard spool.  Helps with light lures and skipping, but not the best for max distance.  They are a very nice looking reel, tho.

[r83srock]

23 hours ago, YoTone said:

if you can find a fuego ct for around $70 ive found them to be really smooth and solid to work with.

The Fuego CT is quite solid for that price, I like mine a lot. I think Walmart and amazon both have em pretty cheap.

[Tizi]

I have 4 Fuego CTs, a Tatula SV TWS 103 and Tatula 100.  As you can probably tell, I like the CT the best.  Just a good, smooth, hard-working reel.

[Seafury]

Final update :

 

Thanks to everyone and your great advice! 

 

I got my local Cabela's to match the Bass Pro Shops Daiwa Tatula CT 100h/ Pro Qualifier combo deal. 

 

6.3:1 reel. 

 

7ft MH F rod. 

 

$199 plus tax. 

 

This setup is awesome! Much smoother then the Abu Garcia Promax / Veangence setup I have. 

 

Loaded it with Spectra Pro power #20 braid. Great tiny, smooth line, no backlashes in over an hour of fishing! 

 

This thing casts like a dream, way farther then Abu Garcia setup on 12lb mono. 

 

I can easily out distance cast every other person at the fishing hole. No more missing fish because I can not reach them. 

 

If you are also irritated by the short cast distance of baitcaster reels, the Daiwa T-wing is your salvation! 

 

It really works and you will be amazed. I hate to be a fan boy, but this is why I always used Daiwa growing up, simply the best. 

 

No other reel that I have seen on the market has offered another type of line guide aside from the standard round hole or oval hole, except for Daiwa and it's T-wing. 

 

If you have never tried one, you are missing out on the best innovation in baitcaster ever. 

 

If you fish from a boat, ignore the above as you can always reach the fish lol.

Shore fisherman rejoice, you need this. 

 

Don't think I will ever buy another brand again. 

 

Completely satisfied. 

 

Tight lines gang! 

[Choporoz]

What reel?

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, Seafury said:

I got my local Cabela's to match the Bass Pro Shops Daiwa / Pro Qualifier combo deal. 

 

Loaded it with Spectra Pro power #20 braid. Great tiny, smooth line, no backlashes in over an hour of fishing!

Only questions are -

 

Did you get the 6.3:1, 7.3:1 or 8.1:1 reel

Length of rod

Medium, Medium-Heavy or Heavy

 

Where you're fishing will also determine the line - if you're going to be ripping lures through hydrilla and milfoil, I'd up that to 30# minimum.

 

I'm also happy with Diawa - going to be replacing my Nitrous with either another Fuego or a CA-80

[Seafury]

18 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

What reel?

Daiwa Tatula CT 100h 6.3:1

Updated post with this also.

 

Sorry about that. 

17 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Only questions are -

 

Did you get the 6.3:1, 7.3:1 or 8.1:1 reel

Length of rod

Medium, Medium-Heavy or Heavy

 

Where you're fishing will also determine the line - if you're going to be ripping lures through hydrilla and milfoil, I'd up that to 30# minimum.

 

I'm also happy with Diawa - going to be replacing my Nitrous with either another Fuego or a CA-80

My Abu Garcia Promax is 7.3:1 so I went with 6.3:1 for the Daiwa. Seems plenty fast during testing. 

 

7ft MHF rod. 

 

This will be my do it all rod, and so far, I am very pleased.

 

I may up the line when Spring comes around for Snake head and big spawning Bass.