Advice on baitcaster reel

[Clockwork]

I'm relatively new to fishing and am wanting to dip my toes into the baitcasting world. I live in Vegas so I will be fishing around here mostly.

 

Are baitcaster's an all in one reel for trout, bass etc? If not I have a spinning reel that I use for trout and the likes.

 

And any advice on which brand and model(s) I can look into buying for my first setup? Budget I want to keep is somewhere around 200$ give or take a few bucks (reel only) rod I’ll pay more for.

 

Thanks

[Catt]

I used baitcasters for everything including perch jerking.

 

Some are going to say you can't cast light lures on em but that's nonsense. 

 

Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Lew's, & Shimano all make quality reels in each price point.

[new2BC4bass]

to the forum.

 

First let me say fishing light lures on a baitcaster isn't as easy as many portray.  How light do you fish?  Light isn't the same for everyone, but to me most trout lures aren't something I want to use a baitcast reel for because any trout lure I'd use in my area would be very small (fishing creeks for smaller fish).  Fishing for bigger trout in a lake is another story.  Many will tell you that you need to spend a lot of money for a finesse baitcast reel.  Again how light makes a difference.  I know from personal experience that you don't need to spend much to get a baitcast reel capable of casting 3/16 oz.  However, 3/16 oz. isn't light to many.

 

I have to qualify my opinions by admitting that I was 61 before using my first low profile baitcast reel.  I don't get to spend as much time fishing as many do.  Nothing beats practice.  At your age you should pick it up better than I did.  Be aware that the proper rod is going to become more important the lighter you go.  Personally I feel a trout rod (as I'd use one) is going to be on the light side for many bass techniques.  Seriously doubt you will want to fish a 1/16 oz. trout lure on the same rod you fish a 1/2 oz. jig.  You are going to have a major problem setting the hook...even if you can cast the jig.

 

Two of the reels I used to learn casting a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap cost me $65 apiece...used.  You can buy a new Tsurinoya for about $70.  The few reviews I've read on it say it handles light lures quite well.  Or you can spend about $480 for an Aldlebarn BFS XG or about $280 for a JDM Alphas Air.  Both way above your budget.  Others can suggest other options.

 

This has been a long winded way to say that if you will be casting 3/16 oz. or heavier for both species, then yes a baitcast combo will do well for both species.  You won't need a special baitcast reel.  Just be aware that...although the reel can handle them...a rod capable of casting a 3/16 oz. finesse lure probably won't handle a 7/8 oz. lipless crankbait very well.  And vice versa.

 

BUT, never fear.  If you come to like fishing, this won't be your only purchase. 

 

Specifics.  I've not used a Daiwa Aird X, but reviews say it is an excellent rod for the money.  $55 (regular price) for a 7' MF.  Pair with a Fuego CT....$110, but can be found for $69 here:  https://www.ebay.com/p/566114829

 

The Dobyns Fury (normal price $120) often gets recommended.  I'd look at the 7' MHF for an all around rod.  Be aware that power (and action) have no industry standards.  A Dobyns fishes a bit lighter than its listing while something like a St Croix or Abu fish heavier than listed.  I have a ML Abu that fishes as heavy as any Medium I've ever owned.  Definitely not a ML power rod.

 

I'd also look at a Shimano SLX and one of the Lew's as other reel options.  Sportsman's Warehouse has some good deals on Lew's.  The Lew's Tournament MB at $110 is a fine reel.  https://www.sportsmans.com/fishing-gear-supplies/fishing-reels/casting-reels/c/cat101039?q=%3Arelevance%3Abrand%3ALew%27s%2BFishing&text=#

 

 

 

[swhit140]

I have 4 of the Daiwa Fuego CT bait casting reels. I've been really happy with them. You can find them for around $65-$80. There are many other reels/rods out there. I'd go with a 7' Medium Heavy bait casting rod set up. It will cover a large variety of lures/situation. You can get yourself a nice complete rod/reel setup in my opinion in the $150-200 range.

 

I have my Fuego CT reels on Dobyns Sierra rods. I spent about $180.00 on this setup.

Edited November 9, 2019 by swhit140

[MN Fisher]

I'll add my vote for the Fuego CT reels...I have one, and another on my wishlist. Great reel for the money.

I've been very happy with my Aird-X rods, so that's another vote there.

 

Retail, you'd be looking at around $175, but going with Amazon - you can get a setup for about $130

[Hook2Jaw]

Fuego CT is the best bang for your buck as far as reels go, and it is a truly good reel.  They are easy to use, hard to backlash, durable(I use them in salt as well), and cheap.  Grab one of those to learn with.

 

Since you're saving on the reel, spend a bit more money on the rod.  Many companies offer good sticks in the 120 price area and there really isn't a substitute for a good rod.  I wish all my current bottom contact setups had better, more sensitive sticks on them.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, Hook2Jaw said:

Since you're saving on the reel, spend a bit more money on the rod.  Many companies offer good sticks in the 120 price area and there really isn't a substitute for a good rod.  I wish all my current bottom contact setups had better, more sensitive sticks on them.

I know you said elsewhere that the Aird-X aren't sensitive - to you anyway. I think they're sensitive enough. I don't palm my reel or put a finger on my line, but with my MH/F Aird-X, I feel every vibration of my chatterbaits as I retrieve...so they're sensitive enough for me.

 

Options for a better rod would be a Diawa Tatula-XT rod for $100 - or a Dobyns Fury for $120.

[Hook2Jaw]

11 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I know you said elsewhere that the Aird-X aren't sensitive - to you anyway. I think they're sensitive enough. I don't palm my reel or put a finger on my line, but with my MH/F Aird-X, I feel every vibration of my chatterbaits as I retrieve...so they're sensitive enough for me.

 

Options for a better rod would be a Diawa Tatula-XT rod for $100 - or a Dobyns Fury for $120.

I use mine for moving baits, and throw chatterbaits on it as well!  Sadly, it doesn't feel a thing on the bottom even if I spool up with braid, but that's in my hands.

 

For reference, I still use lead for all my bottom contact.  Maybe if I went straight braid, or braid to leader, and started throwing tungsten jigs and weights -- I would definitely up my feel game.  As it stands and what I normally fish; 12-15# straight fluorocarbon for bottom contact, I can't recommend the Aird-X for that presentation.

 

As @MN Fisher said, a better rod option would be a Tatula XT or a Dobyn's Fury.  I would also throw the St. Croix Bass X and 13 Omen Black 2 into consideration.

[mrpao]

Dont forget majorcraft rods.

They are well known for their light action rods.

[Clockwork]

Thank you guys for all of the replies, a lot of you are mentioning rods and I forgot to ask but how is a 2 piece rod? I see that most are 1 piece but I know that itll be difficult (If it’ll fit at all) to put a one piece in my vehicle.

[MN Fisher]

12 minutes ago, Clockwork said:

Thank you guys for all of the replies, a lot of you are mentioning rods and I forgot to ask but how is a 2 piece rod? I see that most are 1 piece but I know that itll be difficult (If it’ll fit at all) to put a one piece in my vehicle.

Modern 2-piece rods are WAY better than the old 2-piece. Finding a good-quality baitcasting rod in 2-piece is going to be the problem.

2-piece baitcasting rods of those mentioned.

Diawa Aird-X - a 6'6" Medium or a 7'0" Medium-Heavy

Diawa Tatula-XT - no 2-piece models available

Dobyns Fury - no 2-piece models available

St. Croix Bass X - no 2-piece models available

13 Omen Black 2 - a 7'1" or 7'3" Medium-Heavy

 

Kind of limits your options.

[Tim Kelly]

St Croix do 2 piece Mojo series baitcasters which I expect are very reasonable. If you want to mail order a rod then the Tailwalk Full Range CC series are good 2 piece rods for not too silly money.

[Clockwork]

30 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Modern 2-piece rods are WAY better than the old 2-piece. Finding a good-quality baitcasting rod in 2-piece is going to be the problem.

2-piece baitcasting rods of those mentioned.

Diawa Aird-X - a 6'6" Medium or a 7'0" Medium-Heavy

Diawa Tatula-XT - no 2-piece models available

Dobyns Fury - no 2-piece models available

St. Croix Bass X - no 2-piece models available

13 Omen Black 2 - a 7'1" or 7'3" Medium-Heavy

 

Kind of limits your options.

Yeah I'm noticing that finding a 2 piece rod is kind of difficult.

[Hook2Jaw]

I can fit my 8' swimbait rod in the cab of my extended cab truck, so I'm betting getting a stick in a sedan, crossover, or SUV might be more possible than you think.

 

Stick the butt in the floorboard of the passenger seat and between the two seats up front, resting the blank between the edge of the seat and the center console into the rear of the vehicle at whatever angle allows it to ride without being wedged.

[jimmyjoe]

   Which kind of trout you will target? Lake or stream? Browns, rainbow or what? I'm totally unfamiliar with the kinds of trout close to Vegas. Which test line would you like to use? If you are looking towards an UL casting setup, they can be finicky. If you go heavier, you have to be very careful that the setup's characteristics overlap trout and bass.

   And lastly .... what's the reason you don't want to use the spinning reel you already have?     jj

[Clockwork]

51 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   Which kind of trout you will target? Lake or stream? Browns, rainbow or what? I'm totally unfamiliar with the kinds of trout close to Vegas. Which test line would you like to use? If you are looking towards an UL casting setup, they can be finicky. If you go heavier, you have to be very careful that the setup's characteristics overlap trout and bass.

   And lastly .... what's the reason you don't want to use the spinning reel you already have?     jj

Rainbows and browns mostly is what I target. I might just use my spinning reel with trout and the like and get a baitcaster for bass.

i'm sure that I can use my spinning reel for bass but this is just another way for me to spend money and learn something new.

[new2BC4bass]

Kastking makes 2-piece rods.

 

 

[jimmyjoe]

Just now, Clockwork said:

Rainbows and browns mostly is what I target. I might just use my spinning reel with trout and the like and get a baitcaster for bass.

i'm sure that I can use my spinning reel for bass but this is just another way for me to spend money and learn something new.

   Wise decision. OTOH, if you want to spend money and learn something new, you'll have LOTS of new friends on this forum, believe you me!   ?    jj

[Clockwork]

Just now, new2BC4bass said:

Kastking makes 2-piece rods.

 

 

Do they? I looked earlier and couldve sworn all I saw was 1 piece.

[ike8120]

I have a few KK rods and I am very happy with them for the price point.

[Tizi]

Daiwa Fuego CT are fantastic, I have 4 of them.  Sportsman’s Outfitters has the Tatula 100 for $99.99.  Another excellent reel for a great price.  They also have Tatula XT rods for $69.99.  I have a few of these.  Again, good bang for the buck.

 

[NOC 1]

On 11/9/2019 at 10:45 AM, new2BC4bass said:

 

 

Two of the reels I used to learn casting a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap cost me $65 apiece...used.  You can buy a new Tsurinoya for about $70.  The few reviews I've read on it say it handles light lures quite well.  Or you can spend about $480 for an Aldlebarn BFS XG or about $280 for a JDM Alphas Air.  Both way above your budget.  Others can suggest other options.

 

 

I think that for my money it's hard to beat the Daiwa PX68-R for small baits. I have several and can say that they are top notch reels.

 

I have 1 with a very light Ray's Studio honeycomb spool that will do 1/8 without any trouble.

 

1 of them is fitted with a Daiwa Finesse spool and it will do 1/8 but seems better at 3/16-1/4.

 

The third and 4th are stock and while they will do 1/8 they don't work nearly as well as the ones with lighter spools. But they do really well with anything from 3/16 to 1/2 Oz.

 

I see them used in EXC condition on E-bay fairly often at from $170-$250. You pretty much have to find them in Japan, but to me they are worth the trouble.

 

Anything under 1/8 oz. I usually switch to Light and Ultra Light Moderate action spinning gear. Like you said, light baits on bait casters isn't as easy as you'd think, and I'm just not good enough to pull it off under 1/8 oz.

 

Probably the best light lure reel going right now that I know of personally is the Daiwa SS Air, it is rated to 1/16 oz. but those are a bit above your budget I think. Most of them I see are around $370 give or take.

 

The Alderbaran that NEW2BC4BASS suggested may be as good or even better, but I can't really say never having used one.

On 11/9/2019 at 1:29 PM, Clockwork said:

Yeah I'm noticing that finding a 2 piece rod is kind of difficult.

Try looking in Japan. It seems like there, the 1 piece rods are the uncommon ones. There are tons of good Japanese rods in the $100-$200 range. MajorCraft and Tailwalk have already been mentioned. You can still find tons of the 2 piece Mega Bass HYUGA rods as well. Some of the JDM ABU stuff looks good as well as the Canadian Rapala rods.

 

There is whole lot of stuff out there that you won't see at Bass Pro.

[LionHeart]

Honestly I'd stick to a spinning setup for trout, but I am no trout fisherman.  The only trout fishing I've done is with small weights and hooks using power bait.  Just cast it out and let it sit.

 

You could do this with a bait casting rig but it seems like trying to file down a square peg to fit a round hole.

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, NOC 1 said:

I think that for my money it's hard to beat the Daiwa PX68-R for small baits. I have several and can say that they are top notch reels.

 

I have 1 with a very light Ray's Studio honeycomb spool that will do 1/8 without any trouble.

 

1 of them is fitted with a Daiwa Finesse spool and it will do 1/8 but seems better at 3/16-1/4.

 

The third and 4th are stock and while they will do 1/8 they don't work nearly as well as the ones with lighter spools. But they do really well with anything from 3/16 to 1/2 Oz.

 

I see them used in EXC condition on E-bay fairly often at from $170-$250. You pretty much have to find them in Japan, but to me they are worth the trouble.

 

Anything under 1/8 oz. I usually switch to Light and Ultra Light Moderate action spinning gear. Like you said, light baits on bait casters isn't as easy as you'd think, and I'm just not good enough to pull it off under 1/8 oz.

 

Probably the best light lure reel going right now that I know of personally is the Daiwa SS Air, it is rated to 1/16 oz. but those are a bit above your budget I think. Most of them I see are around $370 give or take.

I purchased a PXL Type R when TW closed them out.  Have since picked up a PX68.  Have 2 Airy Red Pixys.  Last 3 reels were purchased used.  First Airy Red not only didn't have the correct spool, but I couldn't spool line no matter how tight I tightened the tension control.  Didn't bother contacting the seller.   He is a respected seller.  He had to know about the reel before selling it to me.  I now have the correct spool for it.  Trip to an expert fixed the reel up nicely with a tune and upgrades.

 

I need to try a lighter spool in one of the reels.

 

Speaking of getting reels from Japan, I bought an older Antares from a private (I assume) seller.  Never arrived.  Found out last night he had sold it to another buyer.  Hopefully I will get my money back.